Pastor's Blog at Kosse Methodist Church in Kosse, Texas

Thomistic prayer during lent

3/26/2018

I share a final prayer form to strengthen your spiritual life. It is known as Thomistic prayer, named after St. Thomas Aquinas of the 13th century. This prayer type examines a scripture to be enlightened by God by asking basic questions of what, why, how, who, where, when, and with what. For instance, Philippians 2:4-8 is a great text to consider as we approach Good Friday. What is the attitude of Christ? What do I need to empty in my life? How do I live as a servant to those with whom I live, work and associate? What changes do I need to make in my life? Where have I lived these words? Recite the essence of these words throughout the day as a prayer.

The season of Lent comes to a close on Easter Sunday, April 1. I encourage you to attend the church of your choice to celebrate the Risen Lord! At First United Methodist Church in Kosse, we celebrate Holy Week with special services on Palm/Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. At the Maundy Thursday service, we remember Jesus' celebration of the Last Supper with his disciples. For the Good Friday service this year, interactive prayer stations will be provided to remember Jesus' last days with offerings of prayer.

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Franciscan Prayer for lent

3/19/2018

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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.

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the Augustinian Prayer for lent

3/12/2018

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During this Lenten season, I offer another form of prayer to enrich your prayer life. It is called Augustinian Prayer, named after St. Augustine of the 4th century. In this form of prayer, one uses creative imagination to enable the scriptures to speak to one's situations for today. One imagines the scripture in such as way as if Jesus or God were speaking it directly to the reader at that moment.

For instance, in Isaiah 43:1-5, change the words of "Jacob" and "Israel" to your name. "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O (your name), he who formed you, O (your name): Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." A couple of other verses that work well with this form of prayer are Isaiah 54:4-14 and I Corinthians 13:4-8 (by putting your name in the place of the word "love").

May your prayer time bring a strong connection between you and your Creator.

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the Ignatian Prayer

3/2/2018

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I share with you another form of prayer to hopefully enhance your prayer life. It is called Ignatian Prayer, named after St. Ignatius of Loyola from the 16th century. This type of prayer uses the scripture as a basis for prayer. For instance, in looking at the stories of Jesus, you may imagine yourself being present as the story unfolds. What would you see if you were there? What would you say? What would things taste and feel like? What would you hear?

In the story of the woman washing Jesus' feet with her tears in Luke 7:36-50, you could imagine yourself being the one washing Jesus' feet with your tears. Why would you be weeping? What is it about Jesus that caused you to believe that he would give you what you need? Imagine Jesus saying to you, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

In thinking about our movement closer to the cross of Jesus during this Lenten season, identify with Jesus as he is in the Garden of Gethsemane in Mark 14:32-42. Remember times when you felt abandoned by God and your friends. Also, ask for God's strength and courage to pray the same prayer that Jesus prayed, "Not my will but yours be done."

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Thomistic prayer during lent

Franciscan Prayer for lent

the Augustinian Prayer for lent

the Ignatian Prayer

Pastor Bill Laubenberg

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