Contemplative Prayer

Here’s how a daily prayer time incorporating all these elements might look:

 

Bible Verses for Contemplative Prayer

For contemplative prayer, shorter, more reflective verses are ideal. They draw you into silence and help you focus on resting in God’s presence. Here are some examples:

  1. Short Psalms
    • Psalm 131:2: “Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother”
    • Psalm 62:1: “Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.”
  2. Words of Jesus
    • Matthew 11:28–30: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…”
    • John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you”
    • John 8:12: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
  3. Reflective and Assuring Verses
    • 1 Kings 19:12: “…after the fire a still small voice.”
    • Romans 8:26: “… the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered”
    • Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me”

These verses are powerful starting points for resting silently in God’s love and presence, without the need for words or petitions.

 

 

Lectio Divina Reading

Choose a short Scripture passage and move through the four steps:

  • Lectio (Read): Read the passage slowly.
  • Meditatio (Meditate): Reflect on its deeper meaning and how God is speaking to you.
  • Oratio (Pray): Use the passage to talk with God, moving between praise, repentance, and petition.
  • Contemplatio (Contemplate): Sit in silent prayer, simply being in God’s presence and yielding to His direction.

 

By blending these practices, you create a rich and intentional time of connecting with God daily. Over time, this rhythm can help you grow in attentiveness to His voice and transform your spiritual life.

Here are some examples of Bible verses that work well for Lectio Divina and contemplative prayer. These selections are rich in meaning, encourage deep reflection, and invite you into communion with God.

Bible Verses for Lectio Divina

When choosing scripture for Lectio Divina, passages that are rich with imagery, personal meaning, or spiritual depth are ideal. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Psalms (Expressions of prayer, reflection, and worship)
    • Psalm 23:1–4: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…”
    • Psalm 27:4: ” One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.”
    • Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
  2. Gospels (Jesus’ life and teachings)
    • Matthew 5:3–12 (The Beatitudes): “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…”
    • John 15:4–5: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine…”
    • Luke 10:38–42: The story of Mary and Martha, focusing on listening to Jesus.
  3. Prayers of Paul (Deep encouragement and guidance)
    • Ephesians 3:16–19: “that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…”
    • Philippians 4:6–7: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God…”
  4. Prophets and Wisdom Literature
    • Jeremiah 29:11–13: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you…”
    • Isaiah 43:1–2: “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.”
    • Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…”

These passages naturally guide you through the process of reading (Lectio), meditating (Meditatio), praying (Oratio), and resting in God’s presence (Contemplatio).

 

Both Lectio Divina and contemplative prayer invite an intimate encounter with God. You may begin with Lectio Divina and transition into contemplative silence, allowing yourself to dwell on His Word and presence. Let the Spirit guide you as you explore these beautiful forms of prayer.