“You search the scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me.”
–John 5:39
Meditation
The Scriptures put us in touch with Jesus Christ. Now here’s the key. He is alive and the Scriptures are the living word of God. In prayer, we need to prepare for an encounter with a living person.
That’s why an important part of preparation for prayer is “to place yourself in the presence of God.” That simply means turning aside all the other distractions and letting yourself become aware of God’s presence. At first, it can be somewhat challenging. We don’t see with our eyes or hear with our eyes that we are in the presence of Christ. This is why the Church has historically used images of Christ – a crucifix, a Sacred Heart statue or picture – in its prayer.
Do the same thing in your home. Set aside a place in your home. Have an image of Christ or Our Lady or your favorite saint. Something that speaks to you personally. Then still yourself for a moment. Say a brief personal prayer to Christ asking him to send the Holy Spirit to help guide you in prayer and then open yourself to an encounter.
Prayer for Lent
O gracious Master, infuse in our hearts the spotless light of Your Divine Wisdom and open the eyes of our mind that we may understand the teachings of Your Gospel. Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments, so that having curbed all carnal desires, we may lead a spiritual life, both thinking and doing everything to please You. For You, O Christ, our God, are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies; and to You we render glory, together with Your eternal Father, and with Your all holy, life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen.