We’ve a series on ways to pray that are easy and simple and suitable for all this Lent.
In the first of the series Fr Julian reflects on the events of our day to help us shape our prayer lives and draw us closer to God. He offers a simply way of prayer.
Re-viewing the Day : A prayer of gentleness
At the end of the day
Sit in silence and stillness for a minute or so; then, ask the Lord, your dear friend, to be with you as you now look back over the day.
Simply notice all that happened, without dwelling on anything in particular:
What did you do?
What happened to you?
What people did you see, and speak with?
Feelings / Moods / Emotions
How did you feel at the start of the day?
How do you feel now?
How did your feelings change through the day?
What was happening when your feelings changed?
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you look back over the day again.
Were there any moments when you felt your heart being lifted, or warmed?
Perhaps when you saw or heard something (important or unimportant) grabbing your attention;
perhaps when your heart went out to someone; or you felt drawn to something.
Stay with these moments and explore them more fully…
you were probably very close to the Lord at these times.
But also, were there any moments when you felt confused, bewildered;
when you felt less alive, perhaps times of dreariness, darkness, deadness?
Stay with these moments and explore them more fully,
you might have been moving away from the Lord at these times.
Don’t be judgmental or harsh with yourself – remember, this is the prayer of gentleness.
Finally, talk with the Lord, as one close friend with another; thank him for the good things of your day, for the good moments………
And then, ask the Lord to help you with the not so good times – you may need to ask for forgiveness, healing.
The fruit of the Spirit is:- Love, Patience, Trust, Joy, Kindness, Gentleness, Peace, Goodness and Self Control
Thank the Lord if you experienced any of this fruit…
Remember, God is in all things Remember, God is always with us
So, thank God for what he has given today, and tell him that you look forward to being with him tomorrow.
And pray that you will find God in all things…
for God gives and for us all is gift.
Close with,
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
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