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Augustinian Prayer - the Prayer Method
of St. Augustine
Introduction
St. Augustine and the monastic tradition that he founded, teaches a
spiritual method, in which much time is invested in prayer and quiet
meditation. The prolonged periods of prayer is necessary for a better
relationship with God and for progress in one's personal development.
Praying in the method of St. Augustine involves much of a person's feeling
and intuition. For instance, given a Scripture passage or an excerpt from
a spiritual reading, the point for quiet meditation in the method of
St. Augustine is: "What do these words of Scripture (or spiritual reading)
mean to me in my present situation?", or, "What message is the Lord trying
to convey to me in these words of the Bible?" This method of prayer and
quiet meditation makes the bible or spiritual reading relevant to
current personal, family, or community needs and problems. As one
discovers the meaning particularly meant for him, whatever feelings
are activated by the grace of God's Spirit, this then personalizes,
ratifies, and incorporates the whole prayer experience in one's life.
Practicing Augustinian prayer
To practice this method of prayer, one must open himself to his own
creative imagination. Since much of what is embedded in the passages
of Scripture is the wisdom of God made down to earth by biblical writers,
through our intuitive and creative imagination, we can discover how to apply
this wisdom to our situation. Important also is: openness to the Holy Spirit
and His inspirations; sound and wise personal discernment; and seeking the
counsel of mature and experienced spiritual directors.
Keeping a spiritual journal
For those serious in this method of prayer, a spiritual journal can be
kept to record thoughts and inspirations. This journal will be helpful
in gauging one's spiritual progress as one reviews it after a period
of time and then checking the validity of your own insights and inspirations.
For one who is good with words and writing, this journal writing will be
not so much a chore but a veritable joy. Those who use this method of
prayer will surely agree with what Cardinal Newman said: "he could
pray best at the point of a pen".
Integrating lectio divina with Augustinian prayer
To be fully effective, integrating lectio divina can help one
"dialogue in prayer" with God. First, we listen to what God is
telling us in the passage of Scripture by reading between the lines
to discern His message (lectio). Then we meditate upon the meaning
gleaned and see how it applies to our life today (meditatio). Next,
we respond to all these with appropriate feelings and dialogue
with God in prayer (oratio). Finally, we keep still so as to be
more open to any new insights or wisdom we may receive from the
generosity and graciousness of God (contemplatio). Augustinian
prayer will tend to place more prolonged periods of time in
the oratio and the contemplatio phases of the lectio divina.
A direction in Augustinian prayer
Those who are interested to undertake this method of prayer should
direct and endeavour to create good and loving relationships with
each person of the Blessed Trinity: a parental relationship with
the Father; a brotherly relationship with Jesus; and a spousal
soul relationship with the Holy Spirit. The lives of the Saints
can also help serve as role models and examples of holy people
who have fostered good and loving relationships with God. It is
to be noted that most of the Saints who have been canonized in
the Church are Augustinian in their spiritual temperament and
always use the method of Augustinian prayer in their religious
and spiritual life.
Prayer suggestion using the Augustinian method
Read Isaiah 43:1-5. Change the words, "Jacob" and "Israel" to
your own first name. Try to imagine the Lord speaking these
words directly to your soul. What meaning would they have
for you in your present situation? Try to transpose the
message from God to yourself today. What is the Lord talking
about when He tells you, "Fear not". Imagine in your mind
Jesus saying, "You are precious in my eyes". "Fear not,
I am with you". How do you see this to be true to your
own situation today?
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