Franciscan Contemplative Prayer
Overview
Praying with Scripture is a form of meditative prayer in the Christian tradition. There are a variety of ways to pray with scripture, including Franciscan Contemplative prayer. Students are provided the opportunity to explore this form of prayer through engagement in the Year 8 Religion Curriculum P-12 - Prayer and Spirituality (CLPS21).
All forms of vocal and meditative prayer are intended to lead to believers to contemplation. Contemplative prayer is the simple awareness of the presence of God. It is prayer without words or images.
In the Franciscan method, one first applies the Augustinian method of hearing the words of the scripture text addressed to oneself specifically and then asks, like the rich young man to Jesus: “What must I do in response to these words?”
Franciscan Contemplative Prayer
Say:
To begin this meditation, assume the posture, stillness and silence of meditation. Place your feet firmly on the floor. Find a comfortable posture which will help you to be still and silent for up to ten minutes. Close your eyes. Begin to slow your breathing- in through your nose and out through pursed lips. Focus on that breath, putting aside all other thoughts. Do this for a few minutes, asking the Spirit of Jesus to speak to you in your heart. (Pause to allow stillness and silence.)
I will read this (parable; story, part of a letter; psalm; law or rule; saying; prophetic utterance etc.) from (Jesus, St Paul, the Psalmist, the prophet….. etc.). As you listen, imagine …… (the person) is speaking to you directly: they are looking at you and addressing these words to you, even if you are in a crowd. You are sitting at their feet. Listen to what they have to say and listen for something that strikes you- as interesting; or challenging; or puzzles you; or angers you; or makes you happy/sad/ curious/worried.
(Read Scripture text)
Now ask yourself these questions:
If I truly wanted to live God’s dream for humanity, or to live and act as Jesus did, what must/should I do in response to this text?
How would it change my life? Is it possible for me to respond at this time of my life? Is there anything I can do, right now, which would begin my journey of response to this text?
Now take a large, cleansing breath and return to the present and open your eyes.
For the next five minutes, you may like to journal your feelings or thoughts as a result of this experience. This journaling might include a prayer to The Spirit of Jesus to give you strength to live the life he asks of you.
Resources to support Franciscan Contemplative Prayer experiences
Franciscan Contemplative prayer offers an opportunity to engage in dialogue with God and oneself. The four steps of the Lectio Divina can support this process.
See below for some examples of Scripture texts to use with this Franciscan Contemplative Prayer exercise:
So then, let us always seek the ways which lead to peace and the ways in which we can support one another Romans 14:19 | If one part is hurt, all the parts share its pain (I Corinthians 12:26a), if one part is honoured, all the parts share its joy 1 Corinthians 12: 26b | Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 |
Therefore encourage one another, and build each other up 1 Thessalonians 5:11 | I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you. Isaiah 43:1 | Be still and know that I am God... Be still and know that I am... Be still and know... Be still... BE... Psalm 46:10 |
You are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you. Do not be afraid. I am with you. Isaiah 43:4 | Jesus said “I will be with you always, even until the end of time.” Matthew 28:20 | Each of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. 1 Colossians 3:15-16 |
Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Is 41:10 | The Spirit has given us each a special way of serving others. 1 Corinthians 12: 7 | I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. John 14:27 |
Resources to explore the Franciscan Tradition
Franciscan Schools Australia
Franciscan Media - Prayer and Meditation