As they moved from novices to scholastics in the Society of Jesus after taking First Vows, these men shared tips and thoughts on prayer from their young lives. They reflected on classic tools available to all religious traditions -- rhythm, time, space and silence -- as well as traditional Jesuit tools like the Examen and Ignatian Contemplation. They also re-envisioned the more abstract -- art, music, poetry, lyrics, journaling, friendships, relationships, and even chaos -- as prayer.
Why pray
Every person, even those very far along in their spiritual life have worries " I dont pray enough. I dont pray the right way, said Michael Rossmann. Those concerns are really natural. Prayer is something we can always get, but we must also always strive to go deeper.
Vietnam native Tho Vu, 24, recalled a fellow Jesuits wisdom on prayers value. A Jesuit told me once: Things are only possible when you pray. And it really has stayed with me, that saying. No matter where I am, when I am in need, when I am helpless, I come to God. He is a security; a firmness that presses against me that is good, anywhere. When I come to God, I live in a more meaningful way. I do things differently, and commit to things I think are right. That is why prayer is important.
Forms of prayer
Making time for silence is essential, agreed Rossmann, to simply rest in the loving presence of God; to go beyond thoughts and images and hear His quiet voice. There is an invaluable role for silence, particularly in society today. There is simply a lot of noise -- especially for younger people in my generation. Its noticeable in how popular silent retreats are. People have a craving, a hunger for that silence. Sometimes we all need to shut up and listen.
I love getting up in the morning and sitting with a cup of tea, before anything starts. It is the most relaxed time of day for me, said Ben Anderson. I think Ignatius had a lot of wisdom in recommending a formal starting point -- something written, or a gospel passage -- something that tells you: You are in prayer.
From there Anderson addresses his concerns. What is the desire I am seeking here? Naming that right away is a really good starting point, he said. Im seeking trust for instance, or I want strength to get through this ministry today. I pray for people and all sorts of intentions. It is great to come to God in need and know that He will provide.
The Examen
As young Jesuits, all the novices hold a special place in their hearts for the Examen of Consciousness, a reflective prayer for finding the movement of the Spirit in daily life.
A Little Imgagination
Another classic form of Jesuit prayer is Ignatian Contemplation, an in-depth envisioning or recreation of key Scripture passages.
Rossmann considers it bringing imagination and life into my prayer, and into the life of Jesus. Its an opportunity to go beyond my original inclinations.Mulligan offered a guide for Ignatian contemplation. Start off with a passage from the Gospels and slowly pray over the passage, he said. Who is Jesus talking to? What is he trying to convey; his messages? Imagine yourself in the scene. What you would do? How you would respond? Then bring it back to real life, and maybe relate it to a recent experience.
Ignatian contemplation takes a different direction for Anderson.
I look at it as just time with God, he said, like what you would spend with a friend, or anyone. I imagine a scene in the gospel and sit there, with Jesus sitting next to me. I just chat with him about what is going on; about life. Going through my day, the ups and downs, the big worries, everything.
It is all about letting it out there, he said. And being myself -- and being loved by God that way -- I feel myself growing. Every day is different. But in taking the time and doing it every day, I now find it to be the highlight of my day. Over time " making God the center of my desires, and drawing on His love " I can feel what God is inviting me to, which is a relationship with Him.
Its a relationship
God as relationship is a common theme in prayer the world around. It is an abundant analogy for its simplicity and depth.
Once the relationship is established, you have to work to keep it going, Anderson said. If you dont talk to someone for a long time, youre going to be at a superficial level. Every day is key, he said. You just have to be faithful to it, be open to it, and let it grow on its own; beyond your own judgments and expectations.
Like in running or anything, you have to stay in shape by doing it, he added. It is exercise for your soul, to keep in shape. There is always a disconnect that grows if you stop. It takes a while " balancing all these feelings, emotions, desires all over the place " so, it is key to find and stay in a good rhythm.
After just two years in the Society, the new scholastics prayer lives exhibit great enrichment and depth. Their prayer tips provide valuable wisdom for all of us. That focus and energy promises to bear fruit further, in their young lives and all those who come in contact with them.
For new hear and see more on Jesuits, scholastics and prayer tips, visit: www.thinkjesuit.org
