Monthly Spiritual Message, August 2007
By Friar David M. Huebner OFM Conv.
Pax et Bonum my dear sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus and Francis. The winter period of Ordinary time can be for many of us a time of spiritual desolation. A time where going to bed early, sleeping in, or relaxing in front of the tele in a warm room can take priority over the need for prayer at a deeper level.
I’m not talking about praying the Divine Office or actively participating in the Eucharist, even perhaps on a daily basis for those blessed with access & a deeper than normal sense of dedication to our Sacred Mysteries. What I am talking about is personal prayer at the level of real personal connection with God. Heart to Heart, spirit to Spirit, life to Life. The kind of prayer that our Pope of happy memory J. P. II has often described as “the well from which we draw salvation.” This insight accurately describes Francis’ own sentiments, frequently seeking out isolated places for deep bouts of personal, encountering prayer.
Outlined below is a method of “Encountering Prayer” that I use. It is one that I have come to under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and I thank God for it, because if done properly one will have a personal encounter with God. Are you ready to discover it?
- Before beginning we need to make a transition from the secular (the every day) to the holy. We need a personal holy space dedicated to the task, preferably in our own homes where we can minimize disruptions (take the phone off the hook for example), and feel comfortable. We need to have a focus point: a blessed candle, a San Damiano Crucifix or similar icon. We can even face in the direction of the nearest Tabernacle and make a spiritual communion: “Lord I know that your real presence abides in this tabernacle, I bind myself to you; please help me to pray.” Obviously you have your own methods for doing the same.
- Once this has been organized sing a holy song out loud. I usually use Taize or Benediction music & sing along with the C.D. This is necessary in order to lift our heart and mind to God. In entering the song properly, and by offering it to God whole heartedly, we can make a journey of “transition of disposition” open to Encounter. Once this has been done we may be ready to begin prayer.
- Please note that the process I outline never fails to work if the ‘transition of disposition’ is made. At least I’ve never experienced it failing. If transition is not made; how can it work? Step 1: Think to yourself and say out loud and keep repeating, “God, you are first in my life!” When you believe this without doubt you will already have experienced God drawing closer. Do not attempt step 2 without completing the above steps. The same holds true for all that follows.
- Step 2: Already experiencing Him drawing near make an act of love and trust, “Lord I trust in your providential love and concern for me. Father thankyou for accepting me as your child through Christ Jesus your Son.” This step is not a formula, you can use your own words.
- Step 3: And this is very important, bless God for all the current circumstances in your life, both good and bad. For example, Lord thank you that all my physical needs have been met and thankyou for my failing health because it makes me more aware and dependant on you. After you have sincerely done this, and it can be done quite briefly once you are proficient, ask for forgiveness.
- Step 4: Name your sins out loud, pray for contrition if it is lacking, confess them (if the sin is of a serious nature you still need to frequent the Sacrament of Penance), ask for forgiveness and renewal of life. Thank our Lord sincerely when forgiveness is experienced, then go onto stage 5.
- Step 5: Address God directly, “ABBA, FATHER” or “Jesus my Lord,” or similar. It must be yourpersonal direct approach to God, who is now sensed by you as being very close and truly present. Offer him yourself, speak to him of your needs and concerns. Offer him your intentions or petitions. Whatever is on your mind: problem, praise, request, etc – speak it out loud to him.
- Step 6: Once you have spoken to God thank him for this opportunity to express your reliance upon him. “Thanks Lord, I trust in you and am happy that you provide all I need,” or similar sentiments.
- Step 7: Ask God for his direct assistance. For example you may have offered up a petition to him to help an ill friend, so ask: “ABBA, FATHER,” in Jesus’ name I ask you to please assist my friend in regaining her or his health. This is more than simply re-offering a petition. This is now a deep personal plea to the God who has power to grant the request. Our aim is that through our love of the person, God will respond in love and help. None of the above steps can ever happen if motivated by self-seeking, after all Jesus came to serve, not to be served. However this should not hinder us in making our own personal needs heard.
- Step 8: Expect (look for, anticipate, hope) to receive an answer, but in God’s time and in his way. After all he is Sovereign Lord. Doubt not in your heart that his help is already delivering on your request.
- Step 9: Thank him whole-heartedly for visiting you in this special way. I usually sing him a final song with as much love as I can muster after asking him to bless me through Jesus his Son.
I’ll be interested to hear any comments. I pray that new life be poured out upon all who sincerely seek re-newel of life and a deeper, personal connection with God.
May the Lord grant you peace.
Friar David M. Huebner OFM Conv
National Assistant SFO – Oceania.
