Find a quiet place. Start with five minutes
of listening, of just being present to God.
You might want to imagine that you are sitting
with an old friend. Remember that you are in
the presence of Someone who loves you beyond
anything you could ever imagine or ever realise.
Here are some images that may help you to prepare
for prayer and be present to God. Imagine yourself:
- as a child asleep on its mother's lap.
- floating on your back in the ocean or a pool.
- sitting with a loved one with whom no words
are necessary.
Particularly if you are looking at priesthood,
you will want to deepen your sacramental prayer
life. Attending daily liturgy is a tremendous
blessing for those in discernment.
Take the Time
It's easy to get caught up with the business
of our lives. Sometimes our best intentions
never materialize because we get too busy or
other things seem to interfere. Make an appointement
with yourself for prayer. Write it down in your
calendar and honor the appointment as a time
to met with someone very important.
Listen
If you have a difficult time settling down to
pray, begin by listening to all the
sounds surrounding you. Just pause and listen.
This can have a calming effect on
a racing mind.
Experiencing God
In the Catholic Church we are provided with
rich, sacramental opportunities for prayer.
The music, candles, gestures, and ritual of
our sacraments gift us with many possible encounters
with God.
Our Church is rich with devotions to enhance
our prayer lives. The Rosary, the Stations of
the Cross, pilgrimages to sacred places and
prayers to Saints help us grow in our union
with God.
Some people experience God's presence in the
beauty of nature. A walk through a forest or
a stroll along the ocean facilitates their prayer.
If you are a nature lover, you might connect
with God in prayer in one of your favorite places.
Music and art experiences can provide prayerful
encounters with God. Listening to music or playing
it yourself can be an intimate way of coming
into contact with God. Painting, drawing, or
contemplating a beautiful icon or work of art
is another avenue to God.
Don't forget that God speaks to us through
other people. You may have food for prayer coming
from the delights and the demands of your relationships.
Vocations Anonymous: A Handbook for Adults Discerning
Priesthood and Religious
Life, Sr. Kathy Bryant, RSC. Copyright 1996
NCCV. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
