And the Living Is Easy. . .

Summertime and we keep hoping that the living is easy. Well, at least, school is out, and there are those few days of getting away from our ordinary place and our regular schedule. Summertime seems an easy fit to spiritual renewal and retreat time. To move beyond the hope of an improved spirituality some practical thoughts and techniques might actually allow us to move ahead.

The first step is to take spiritual stock of one’s self. Where do I find God in my life? Am I in touch with myself? How are my relationships with others, my family, my friends, my co-workers? Do I take time to pray each day? Am I growing in my understanding of the Word of God? Is my participation in Liturgy life-giving to me? Step one is to have a good interior talk with yourself.

Sometimes this assessment is done alone. Other times, and at various stages of life, a conversation with a spiritual director or spiritual friend or colleague is helpful. Some people prefer to journal or write down their reflections and then in the re-reading a clearer assessment can be made and strategies to grow in prayer can be made.

Retreat
A Catholic tradition is to spend a few days in actual retreat. One can retreat at an actual retreat house or house of prayer to get a jump-start on the project of spiritual renewal. A possibility is to plan as one would plan an ordinary vacation and be in touch with a place where such a retreat would be possible. Another option would be to find a get-away and be alone.

Spiritual Reading
As one sets about other studies and interests, the choosing of books for spiritual reading for the summer is a good beginning. Such books might speak of prayer, meditation, the use of scripture, religious conversion. They might also be topical or biographical about the saints of the Church.

After the choice of reading, then spiritual reading begins. Unlike other reading, the object is not to complete the book as quickly as possible. The

process of spiritual reading is to read in small segments of a book, actually move little by little through the pages. As a thought or spiritual movement strikes, put down the book and pursue the movement in prayer and meditation. One then moves to the next paragraph or the next page.

Praying the Scriptures
Among several possible ways of praying the scriptures are three: 1) follow the daily readings in the lectionary for Mass; 2) select and prepare the readings for the upcoming Sunday; or 3) choose a gospel or epistle and start at the beginning and read in small segments until the end. This would be similar to the “lectio divina” of the monastic practice.

In this mode of reading the scriptures, less is more. Read the selected scripture until the Word speaks to you. Then pursue the Word and allow God to speak to your heart. Throughout the day, bring that selected Word to mind and allow it to be continual nurturing. The Word, in this way, becomes the constant Presence of God in our daily life.

Meditation
Prayer calls all believers to think and meditate on the Word of God and his Presence in our life. To engage in meditation, choose a regular time each day. At that time, choose how long you will engage in prayer. In a quiet time and place, put yourself in the Presence of God. Know God within and around you. Invite God’s revelation in your life. Bring your needs and prayer before the Lord. Then wait for God to speak. After having received the Word in silence and contemplation, thank God for the gift of your prayer.

Perseverance in Prayer
Prayer is the gift of God in life. One needs to prepare to receive the gift. We create the possibility for prayer with space and time, with personal attentiveness and with an open heart. God will give the gift of prayer as he wills and when he wills. The waiting for God requires patience and perseverance. It requires our attention and focus on how God is operating within us.

CDH