Meditation as Prayer

Meditation as Prayer 
 

At the time of Francis, rote prayers were the backbone of the prayer life of most people. I had not realized this, but according to Joan Chittister, O.S.B., Teresa of Avila, who had died probably about the time Francis was born, introduced her Carmelite Sisters to a new form of prayer. I quote from Joan's book, A Passion for Life, "Teresa fostered a form of prayer new to church circles. Called mental prayer, it departed from the formulas of the official Latin prayers and was, therefore, suspect for heresy and hysteria...as a result Teresa became a subject for Inquisitors. Her prayer was too personal and so, they declared, too Protestant. Furthermore, she, a woman, was starting something new." Anathema! Francis, as the coadjutor bishop of Geneva,  had participated in the gatherings at Madame Acarie's salon where he was exposed to Carmelite spirituality. There he learned this new "mental prayer" which he later taught to those coming to him for direction. He would circulate copies of meditations among his directees.

Francis was a wise director and realized that people need meaning and direction in their lives. So the first meditations he gave his directees addressed such basic questions of human existence as "Who made me? Why? What is the meaning of my life? Ten of these foundational meditations are included in the Introduction to the Devout Life: they are: Our Creation, Why Were We Created , On God's Blessings, Sin, Death, Judgment, Hell, Heaven, Our Calling and Election, and Electing the Devout Spiritual Life. Really, these titles sound like an abbreviated course in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Francis had studied at the Jesuit College of Clermont. It is only natural that he would teach what he had learned.

However, Francis was not a plagiarist; he internalized his studies, extracted from them the essence of spirituality, and taught these essentials in a way that made the following of Christ attractive and feasible for the laity, his first love. Francis' spirit of moderation and gentleness is evident in all of his writings. These meditations are invaluable for all those really sincere about letting God become the center of their lives. We need not fear that this might relegate our families and loved ones to second place in our love and concerns. Oh no, when God is our Center, all our other relationships are enhanced. Although putting God first may demand a reevaluation of our priorities causing shifts in the importance of our various interests and commitments, still our families will become even more dear to us.

Are you interested in discovering this for yourself? If you are not accustomed to mental prayer, a ten-minute daily prayer period will set you on the path to greater intimacy with God. Spiritual reading also will help. Click this link to the Introduction to a Devout Life on the Internet if you do not have your own copy of this spiritual classic for the laity and discover what advice Francis de Sales would give you.

Here is an adaptation of the Five-Step Meditation Process Francis taught his directees as they began mental prayer. You too may find it helpful.

The thought of praying daily might seem to be an impossibly difficult challenge. Begin by slipping mindfulness of God into the midst of your daily activities. Here is a scenario that might work for you. When you awaken, thank God for the gift of life and this new day in which to love and serve Him. As you shower, call to mind that God is with you always.. Then look at the day ahead of you. Ask God to help you during any difficulties that you may foresee. Next, pray for help to see Jesus in everyone you meet this day and to be Jesus for them. Finally, ask your guardian angel or favorite saints to assist you in praising and loving God this day.

Before you leave your room, take a minute to read a short Scripture passage that will be your spiritual nourishment for the day. Some people prefer to read a Scripture passage the night before to let it simmer in their subconscious during their sleep. That's fine. God doesn't mind an installment plan for prayer. First installment was the shower; second could be your drive to work or home from carpooling. Rush hour on the highway is never fast. Alertness on the highway is your first priority, but there may be some time to reflect on what you have read. If something has struck you, ponder it a while and then discuss it with God.

Be sure you pause occasionally and listen so that God may get a word in edgewise. For God speaks through the interior urgings you may experience during your reflections. Your response may be one of love or compassion, of awe or reverence, of joy or gratitude. Francis de Sales says, "A sad saint is a sorry saint." God loves a grateful heart and a cheerful giver! If you are puzzled by your feelings or lack of them, mention this to God and ask for enlightenment. Do not be surprised if you do not receive an answer right away. God may be teaching you patience and acceptance. This process is the heart of your growing intimacy with God in prayer.

Now before you focus on your daily tasks, make a specific resolution to do something that honors this conversation with God. For example, you may foresee problems with a difficult person and you might pray, "Everyone is special in your sight, Lord, even So and So. Today, I will show my appreciation for So and So by doing this or that." Next, thank God for all that has happened during this time of reflection, even the distractions, and ask, in the name of Jesus, for the graces needed to carry out your resolution. If you have time, pray an Our Father or a Hail Mary. As you enter your workplace or re-enter your home, recall in your own words the thought that was most meaningful to you. This snippet or two from the Scriptures or an insight during your time with God will be like a little corsage or boutonniere, refreshing your spirit throughout the day.