Savio Rodrigues SJ

What you do before prayer is very important. Spend a few moments quieting yourself and relaxing, settling yourself into a comfortable, respectful position. This is best done in silence and solitude. Choose a place where you will have no distractions. Avoid walking about or kneeling down. Make sure you are relaxed and your whole body is relaxed, with no tensions especially on your shoulders.

Don’t feel constrained to block out all distractions, but try to keep your anxieties away from you.

Read the passage given to you. Read it carefully and slowly. Close your Bible and move to your place of prayer. Place yourself in the presence of God. Try to feel the presence of God around you.

Try and check on your breathing. “I inhale, I exhale” till you feel relaxed.

Ask for the grace you wish for. Be very concrete, and articulate in asking.

Now allow the passage you have read to just pass before the eyes of your imagination. Do not force images. Do not force yourself to try and remember the passage: Let whatever you remember emerge.

Allow your-self to be a part of the passage. Be passive but alert. Let the others in the passage control the event.