Contemplative Prayer

Prayer may be defined simply as talking to God, then listening for a reply. However, we all have times when God doesn't seem to answer, at least not immediately. An alternate form of prayer, which many people find helpful, is Contemplative or Imaginative Prayer. It was made popular by St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuits, in the sixteenth century.

You begin by choosing a favorite Bible story. I like the one about Jesus calming the storm ( Luke 8: 22-25) You begin by asking God to be with you, and to help you learn the lesson he has for you in this story. Then read the story slowly and set the scene in the your mind. Place yourself in the picture. Are you one of the apostles? Are you Jesus? You could choose to be yourself, sitting in a corner of the boat watching events unfold.

What do you see? You are in a fishing boat, in a lake, in the midst of a terrible storm. The sky is almost continually lit with brilliant flashes of lightning. High waves are crashing over the sides of the boat. The frightened men around you are bumping into each other as they frantically bail water out of the boat. In spite of their efforts, the water is continually rising. As you look toward the back of the boat you see a man, his head on a pillow on one of seats. He is apparently sound asleep, oblivious to the chaos around him. The men keep throwing anxious glances in his direction, but he doesn't move.

What do you hear? Your hear the crashing and rumbling of thunder. You hear the panicky shouts of the men as they call to one another. You hear fear in their voices. You hear water sloshing over the sides of the boat, and gurgling around in the bottom. After a while, you hear one of men say they are going to wake Jesus, because the boat is almost surely about to sink.

What do you smell? There is a damp smell of fresh water. There is the lingering odor of the many fish which have been caught and hauled in nets into this boat. There is an odor of damp cloth and sweat as the men work frantically to keep the boat afloat.

What do you feel? You may feel a little seasick as the boat rolls madly from side to side. You are very uncomfortable, cold and wet from the rain. The water is slowly rising up over your feet, climbing up your ankles. You can understand the apostles' fear. You wish Jesus would hurry up and do something.

Imagine the action. One of the men wakens Jesus. He stands up. He has a regal bearing and he is taller than the others. He looks at them, and at you, with a sad look. Then he makes his way slowly to the front of the boat. Everyone stops what they are doing and watches him. He raises his arms over the turbulent water and commands the storm to stop. Immediately there is a dead calm. He turns back to the men and to you and says in a disappointed way, "Where is your faith?" Heads drop in shame and embarrassment, they should have known better. They had witnessed Jesus at work before. They had seen his miracles. They should have trusted in his love and care,

Pay attention to any emotional reactions or insights that might occur to you. What storm is troubling your life right now? What is God telling you? The apostles are not the only ones who had to learn to have faith and trust in Divine Providence. Whatever your problem is, turn the matter over to Jesus, and ask him to resolve it in the best way possible, according to his will. Then leave it with him. You may be amazed at the results.