Prayer Practices for a Deeper Spiritual Life
1. Contemplative Prayer
Contemplative prayer is a form of silent communion with God that involves quietly resting in His presence. It emphasizes being present with God rather than speaking or asking for specific things. This practice is rooted in deepening one’s relationship with God by simply “being with Him.”
- How to practice contemplative prayer:
- Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed.
- Begin with a few moments of silence to calm your mind.
- Focus on a single word (such as “Jesus” or “peace”) or a short phrase (like “be still and know that I am God”).
- When your mind wanders, gently return to your chosen word or phrase.
- Spend 10–20 minutes in this practice, listening for God’s presence and focusing on Him.
Contemplative prayer aligns with scriptures like Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” It’s not about doing but about being still before God.
More Information: Contemplative Prayer Lesson
2. Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina (Latin for “divine reading”) is a prayerful way to read scripture that helps you enter into deeper reflection and union with God. This practice involves meditating on God’s Word, listening for His voice, and responding in prayer.
- The 4 Steps of Lectio Divina:
- Lectio (Read): Read a short passage from scripture slowly and attentively. Let the words sink in and pay attention to phrases that stand out.
- Meditatio (Meditate): Reflect on the meaning of the text. What is God saying to you? How does it connect to your life?
- Oratio (Pray): Respond to God in personal prayer. Share your thoughts and feelings with Him based on the passage.
- Contemplatio (Contemplate): Rest in God’s presence, allowing Him to speak to your heart. Simply sit in the awareness of His love.
For example, if you’re meditating on Psalm 23:1: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” you might reflect on what it means for God to guide and provide for you and then express gratitude or trust in prayer.
3. Breath Prayer
Breath prayer is a simple yet powerful practice that combines breathing with short prayers. It can help you stay connected to God throughout your day by weaving prayer into even the busiest moments.
- How to practice:
- Choose a short phrase or scripture (e.g., “Jesus, have mercy on me” or “Come, Holy Spirit”).
- As you inhale, silently pray the first part of the phrase. As you exhale, pray the second part. For example:
- Inhale: “The Lord is my shepherd,”
- Exhale: “I lack nothing.”
- Repeat for a few minutes, letting the rhythm of your breathing help you focus on God.
4. Examen (Prayer of Reflection)
The Examen is a spiritual practice that comes from St. Ignatius of Loyola. It involves reflecting on the events of your day to recognize God’s presence and activity in your life.
- Steps of the Examen:
- Quiet yourself and invite God into the time of reflection.
- Give thanks for the day’s moments—big and small blessings.
- Review your day and notice where you felt God’s presence or where you felt distant from Him.
- Ask for forgiveness or grace for moments when you were not at your best.
- Look forward to tomorrow, asking for God’s guidance and help.
5. Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory prayer involves praying on behalf of others. It is an outward-focused form of prayer that invites you to lift up people, situations, or needs to God.
- Suggestions for intercessory prayer:
- Keep a list or journal of people and concerns you want to pray about regularly.
- Spend specific time lifting these requests to God, asking for His will and blessings in those situations.
- Incorporate scriptures as you pray for others (e.g., asking God to give someone “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” from Philippians 4:7).
6. Prayer of the Arts
This practice involves connecting with God through creativity. You might express prayers through painting, drawing, journaling, writing poetry, or playing music. It’s particularly helpful for people who feel spiritually refreshed through artistic expression.
- Pray before you begin, inviting God to guide your creativity.
- Use your chosen art form to explore your thoughts, emotions, or reflections on scripture.
7. Listening Prayer
Listening prayer emphasizes being still and seeking God’s voice. Rather than doing most of the talking, you invite God to speak to your heart.
- How to practice:
- Start by asking God a specific question (e.g., “Lord, what would You like me to know today?” or “What is Your will in this situation?”).
- Spend time in silence, remaining open to His guidance. Write down any impressions, thoughts, or feelings you sense.
This practice is guided by scriptures like John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me“
8. Worshipful Prayer
Worshipful prayer focuses exclusively on adoring and praising God for who He is. It involves expressing gratitude and awe without necessarily making specific requests.
- Ideas for worshipful prayer:
- Pray using the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 100 or Psalm 103).
- Sing or speak out praises to God.
- Meditate on the attributes of God, such as His love, faithfulness, or power.
Closing Thought
By incorporating these practices into your prayer life, you can experience deeper intimacy with God in unique ways, whether through silence, scripture, creativity, or acts of devotion. Each form of prayer offers a different path to understanding and connecting with God’s presence. Try exploring these forms over time and see which resonate most with your spiritual journey.