⁷ And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰ your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³ And lead us not into temptation,^[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.^[b]’

¹⁴ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 6: 7-15

The ancient practice of Lectio Divina maybe a way of studying scripture in the new year that could be meaningful to you? The five movements are outlined below and as you practice it, you may take longer at some steps than others.

1. Silence: After choosing the scripture to read together, take a moment to be still and quiet. Silently turn all your thoughts and desires over to God. Let go of worries, concerns or agendas. Just be for a few minutes.

2. Lectio: Read the passage of scripture: this can be aloud or silently, going slowing and carefully. Then read it again.

a. Be alert to any word, phrase or images that seems to have energy for you. I like to say it ‘shimmers’. It could be a word that invites you, a phrase that puzzles you, or an image that calls for personal introspection. These could be words of comfort, instructions, assurance or challenge.

b. Wait for this word, phrase, or image to speak to you; don’t rush or force it. You can read the passage as many times as you like.

3. Meditate: Name that word, phrase or image that has energy for you and ponder it in your heart. Repeat it like a mantra. Allow this word or phrase or image interact with your deepest self – your thoughts, desires, memories. Let it speak to your life.

4. Oratio: Go to God in prayer, let your soul be deeply in prayer, allowing God to transform you through that shimmering piece of the scripture. Let your feelings be open and honest. Let your heart be in dialogue -how can it connect to your life today? How is God present with you in it?

5. Contemplate – Rest silently in the presence of God.

Prayer

Ever Present Lord, we yearn to be closer to you and hear your truth through the Word. May we silence our hearts and minds to truly be present with you. Amen.