Exercise 3: Non-verbal Prayer

Prayer does not always have to be a verbal expression.  Some people find more joy in the aspects of observation or seeking God’s presence in creation.  Going fishing is often a spiritual experience, taking walks in the park, watching birds through the window while having morning coffee are all aspects of seeking God in your daily life.  Take a few minutes and quiet yourself and see if you can turn off the busy world for a few moments and see more of God’s creation in his world.

PRACTICE EXERCISE

1. Find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted for five to ten minutes.

2. Take a deep breath and relax.

3. Let your eyes fall onto an object in the house or outside.

4. Be still and look at what attracted your attention.

5. Notice what you notice - for five minutes, being still and in silence.

6.  Write your observations, feelings, inspirations, and experiences from observing the picture or scene.  

7.  Share your observations with your Spiritual Partner.  A partner could be a friend, a family member, or someone with whom you feel a spiritual closeness.

8.  Ask your partner to share his/her observations with you about his/her selection.

9.  Then take an extra moment and observe your Spiritual Partners’ selection if different from your own.

10.  And again share additional observations and thoughts.

11. NOTE: There is no right or wrong.  This is an artistic interpretation and expression.  Some people will see more, others will see less.  And two people observing the same thing could see totally opposite meanings. Every person sees’ what they see from a different perspective and everyone has a different relationship with God. Celebrate this journey and difference together.

12.  If you wish try and write or say a prayer out loud that expresses what you have seen.  This is not necessary in this type of prayer.  It is more important that you do the visual exercise. St. Francis of Assisi, thrived on this type of prayer.