Contemplative Prayer

Contemplative prayers are simply prayers with few or no words. These prayers let go of words, allowing you to rest in God’s loving presence or focus on a few powerful words from scripture. In its simplest form, contemplative prayer is letting God love you. Intentional silence opens up space for the soul to be in the loving presence of God and allows the Holy Spirit to work within you. The Examen is a guided prayer that helps reflect on God’s presence with you throughout your day or week.

Centering Prayer

Centering prayer is a practice that slows us down and allows space to sit in God’s loving presence while letting go of thoughts and worries. Here are some steps for practicing centering prayer for 20 minutes. First, choose a sacred word such as Jesus, rest, or love. Sit comfortably with your eyes closed, settle your mind and body, and silently breathe your sacred word as a symbol of your intention to be with God. Allow your word to carry you gently into God’s presence. As thoughts, images, emotions, plans, etc. arise, simply return to your sacred word. At the end of your time, sit quietly with your eyes closed for a few minutes or say the Lord’s Prayer.

Breath Prayer

Breath prayer is a prayer using a short phrase from scripture in combination with your breath. Begin by simply sitting in God’s presence and noticing your breath. Notice the natural rhythm of your breath and breathe comfortably. Try breathing in through your nose slowly for a count of six and exhale slowly as if through a straw for a count of eight or more. Find a natural rhythm and repeat. Incorporate a short verse such as Psalm 23: 1, The Lord is my shepherd on the inhale, and then, I shall not want on the exhale. Repeat for a few minutes and rest in God’s loving presence.

The Examen Prayer

The Examen is a guided prayer that helps you notice God’s activity in your daily life. It’s a reflective prayer done at any point during the day or at the end of the week. Basic steps for the Examen begin with sitting quietly before God and slowly reviewing your day or week. Begin by quieting yourself in God’s loving presence. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time of prayer. Reflect on God’s goodness towards you and where you noticed his love. Give thanks for big and small things you have received. Review and recognize any failures, missteps, or your lack of giving and receiving love. Ask for forgiveness and healing. Receive God’s forgiveness, love, and grace. Pray about the next day or the coming week. The Examen is flexible and used to increase engagement with one’s spiritual life and awareness of God’s presence throughout daily life.