I offer a form of prayer for you to try in your spiritual practices. This prayer type was introduced by St. Francis of Assissi of the 13th century. Franciscan Prayer does not utilize formal prayer, but rather focuses on informal communing with God. The prayer time is characterized by having an attitude of openness to be receptive to the leading of God.
Here are a couple of suggestions for this form of prayer. This is a suggestion that is especially appropriate during this season of Lent. Find a cross that you can place in your hands--perhaps from a necklace or one you may normally use in prayer. Look at the cross intently and feel it. Reflect on the first Good Friday, when Jesus was nailed to the cross. Imagine what it would have been like for Jesus to experience this terrible agony. Give thanks to God for Jesus' willingness to die for your sin.
Take a walk through the woods or a field or along the road. As you walk, look for signs of God's love, beauty, power and goodness. Think of the mysteries in God's creation. Read Psalm 8 as a form of prayer and thanks to God.
May this time of prayer be a blessing for you as you encounter God.
Here are a couple of suggestions for this form of prayer. This is a suggestion that is especially appropriate during this season of Lent. Find a cross that you can place in your hands--perhaps from a necklace or one you may normally use in prayer. Look at the cross intently and feel it. Reflect on the first Good Friday, when Jesus was nailed to the cross. Imagine what it would have been like for Jesus to experience this terrible agony. Give thanks to God for Jesus' willingness to die for your sin.
Take a walk through the woods or a field or along the road. As you walk, look for signs of God's love, beauty, power and goodness. Think of the mysteries in God's creation. Read Psalm 8 as a form of prayer and thanks to God.
May this time of prayer be a blessing for you as you encounter God.