Call to Prayer and Contemplation

Prayer and contemplation form the hearts of all Franciscans. A formator must impress the importance of both speaking and listening to God on those in their care. Article 8 of our Rule states that prayer and contemplation is … the soul of all [we] are and do. Most of us find it easier to talk to God rather than listen to him. While God wants to hear our hopes and needs, it is through contemplation that the Spirit of God speaks to us. Just as attentive listening is the heart of a healthy, human relationship so, too, listening to God’s voice enhances our relationship with the Divine. 

Listening in silence to the Spirit speaking to our hearts is a major means God uses to convert us to the Gospel life. St. Paul tells us, “In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.” (Romans 8:26) The Spirit wants to speak to us and for us. To test what we hear in contemplation, remember that the Spirit will never contradict Scripture and truth.

Not everyone is a good listener. It takes desire, effort and practice. Before you ask those you serve to enter into the “listening” portion of prayer and contemplation, do the following exercise for the next couple of weeks so that you can speak from personal experience.

·    Find a quiet, secluded place for prayer and contemplation.

·    Be aware that you are in the presence of the Holy One.

·    Ask the Holy Spirit to help you stay attentive and focused and to speak to you.

·    When thoughts or distraction occur, gently disengage from them and return to the presence of God.

·    Reflect on your experience. What did you feel? What do you hear? Was silent listening difficult? Did you experience anything? You will now be able to relate experientially with those in formation.

Thank you to Anne Mulqueen, OFS, for allowing us to use her work.

Orig. published: https://www.dmf-ofs.org/formation-may-2021#FF21May21

May 21, 2021