Lectio Divina - scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer. The term "Lectio Divina" is Latin for "divine reading." It has its roots in the monastic tradition and has been practiced for centuries as a way to begin one's relationship with God through contemplating the Bible. When we pray, we start with, "Father, hallowed be thy name." - Jesus of Nazareth [Luke 11:2)​

     The power of prayer is a complex and deeply personal topic, and its significance can vary greatly depending on an individual's beliefs, faith, and experiences. Prayer is common in many religious and spiritual traditions, and its power is often viewed differently. Here are four perspectives on the power of prayer:

1. Spiritual and Emotional Comfort:

   For many, prayer is a source of comfort and solace. It provides a way to express their thoughts and emotions, seek guidance, and find inner peace during challenging times.

2. Connection with a Higher Power:

   In religious contexts, prayer is a means of connecting with a higher power or deity. It is seen as a way to establish a relationship with God, gods, or the divine and to seek their guidance, forgiveness, or blessings.

3. Self-Reflection and Meditation:

   Some individuals view prayer as a form of meditation or self-reflection. It offers an opportunity to contemplate life, values, and purpose, promoting personal growth and self-awareness.

4. Community and Support:

   Group prayers or collective prayer gatherings are common in many religious communities. Such gatherings foster a sense of unity and support as people come together to pray for common goals or to address shared concerns.

When you connect with God, you enter the Spiritual Life called prayer. The power of prayer is beyond any human experience when truly connected with God.

The practice involves:

1. Reading:

   This step involves the slow and deliberate reading of a passage from the Bible. The goal is not to cover a large amount of text but to read with a receptive and open heart, paying attention to each word and phrase.

2. Meditation:

   After the initial reading, the practitioner reflects on the passage and considers its meaning. This involves pondering the text and allowing it to resonate personally. It's a time of listening for the promptings of the Holy Spirit and seeking to understand how the passage might apply to one's own life.

3. Prayer:

   In this step, the individual responds to the text through prayer. This may involve expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, or asking for a deeper understanding of the message. The prayer is a personal dialogue with God based on the insights gained from the reading and meditation.

4. Contemplation:

   The final step is a period of silent contemplation, during which the individual rests in God's presence. It is a time of simply being with God, allowing the words and insights from the passage to deepen and become integrated into one's spiritual life.

Contemplative Prayer is the most important focus as it is the primary form of the gaze of love between the soul and God. The time to be alone with God and to be in his presence. We call this "the gaze of faith fixed on Jesus,” attentiveness to the Word of God, a silent love. Emphasis is the loving desire to see the face of God.​

Three Struggles of Prayer (scandals of faith)​

1. The ability to Rise and Pray

   • ​ The first thing in the morning when you wake up is to pray. Most struggle with this concept; however, it is the best time to connect with God and begin your day. The mind is clear and not filled with clutter that accumulates throughout the day.

2. Mental/Physical Distractions

   • When we wake up in the morning, we find too many external distractions, which can be overwhelming. It is best to keep focused on prayer. The best way to avoid missing your daily prayer is to maintain a schedule. However, mental distraction during worship is a good thing as your brain recognizes what you are indeed attached to, and this is a time to reflect on whether the distraction is good or evil. Have a spiritual journal to help you maintain your thoughts, keeping you on a schedule.​

3. Unanswered Prayers

   • ​It is sometimes difficult to sustain faith when our prayers are not answered, which is understandable and a normal reaction. Even though your prayers may not be answered immediately or when you want Him to or not in your lifetime, this does not mean God is not listening, nor does He not love you more so; unanswered prayers only draw us close to God in means of never letting go of faith and his power as our creator; just like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane; stay with God and be patient. God desires to do something more significant than what you ask of Him. We must be patient and continue to pray as God will deliver. Remember that God knows our fate, and sometimes our prayers may conflict with our fate, and that is ok.