A Guided Prayer Practice for Those Who Remain

Lectio Divina, or a devotional reading of Scripture, invites us into contemplative prayer. Whether or not you are familiar with the practice, I invite you to find a quiet space and time to use the following guide. Commune with the Holy Trinity as you or someone you love remains on the field.

Silencio

Light a candle, if you would like, as a visual reminder of Christ’s company. Choose a comfortable posture that expresses your openness to God. Perhaps place your right hand on top of your left hand with both palms up, bring your thumbs to touch, and rest your hands in your lap. Close your eyes or soften your gaze towards the lit candle. Begin to slow and deepen your breath.

Lectio

Scroll down to read the passage at the bottom of this post, or read John 15:4-9 in your favorite version. Read slowly, out loud if you are able. Notice one word or phrase that catches your attention. When you finish reading the passage, sit with the word or phrase and listen for what God says to you. Choose open attentiveness over force or judgment. Remain in silence for as long as it’s sweet.

Meditatio

Read the Scripture, aloud if possible, a second time. Ponder how this passage intersects with your on-the-ground life. Savor the connection. Listen for any invitation that God is extending to you. Remain in silence for as long as it’s sweet.

Oratio

Read the passage a third time. Respond to God honestly. What desires does this passage kindle in you? Do you feel resistant anywhere? Are you aware of a new or deeper way to be with God? Talk to God openly about these things.

Contemplatio

Return the gaze of love that is set on you. Remain in silence for as long as it’s sweet. When you are ready, close with a simple gesture or word of gratitude for the presence of God with you. Return slowly to your activities. Carry your word or phrase with you as a reminder of God’s love and presence.

John 15:4-9 (NLT)

Jesus said: Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.

What was this prayer practice like for you?

3 Comments

  1. Robyn Rochelle Cox May 30, 2017

    I am continually blessed with this form of contemplation. Thank you for sharing this in this venue. There are places we remain within our spirit that only we know are a struggle. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

    Robyn Rochelle Cox
    Retired M

    1. Kimberly Todd May 31, 2017

      You’re welcome, Robyn. It is such an intimate and nourishing practice, isn’t it? Thanks for your encouraging comment.

What do you think?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.