I already have a book on prayer...
its called the Bible...
“I already have a book on prayer...its called the Bible...”
Except the Bible is not a book on prayer. It’s a book on salvation history. It contains prayer. It encourages and exhorts prayer. It is not a book on prayer.
Choose your passage. (”Bible dipping” is okay here. But also so is working your way through a section or book of your choice.)
(If you want, do your research and scholarly stuff.)
1) Read a verse or two. Read it over. Moving your lips is a good idea.
2) Think about it. Imagine, question, examine. If, for instance, it was an account of the Baptism of our Lord, you might imagine him picking his way down the banks of the river. Or you might consider that here he is “reckoned among the transgressors.” Whatever.
3) Pray a little prayer as it comes to mind: “Lord, do not let me stumble as I come to your grace.” “Thank you for coming to me in my sinful life.”
4) Relax and be still ... until your mind wanders. God is speaking. Be silent.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
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Yes. It's a “technique.” But, well, Ps 119 is all about meditation on the word. This can be a way to do that.
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“The Pilgrim's Progress” is a wonderful book. (Time for me to read it again!) Bunyan writes very well of the trials of the Christian life, of its high and low points. And the main character, “Christian,” has companions on his way.
Who would not want companions on the way? A book on prayer can widen one’s circle of companions. Sure Jesus is the way, and as Catherine of Siena says, “All the way to heaven is heaven,” because Jesus is the way. But it's still good to have someone like Catherine to remind us of this especially when the way looks like the way to Golgotha or, on the other hand, when it is full of distracting delights.
This book is very good.
The Bible CAN be used for prayer, besides the Psalms, for example there is the “Song of Moses” which is often is sung on Holy Saturday eve to Easter. That is one example.