Contemplating the face of Christ

Method

Some preparation is necessay

If invite someone for lunch, we will have first fixed a time with them, planned a menu etc… Contemplation also requires preparation.

Choose in advance a passage from the Gospel.

Christian contemplation involves looking at Christ and listening to Christ. The Gospels are filled with scenes where we see Jesus relating with those around him. The Gospel of Mark is a great place to start. For example, you could choose the call of the disciples, chapter 1: 16-20; or the cure of a paralytic Chapter 2: 1-12; or the First Miracle of the loaves, chapter 6: 30-44; or Blind Bartimaeus chapter 10: 46-52. Do not hesitate to stay with the same text several times.

Decide:

a place: where you won’t be disturbed. For example, a place in your home in front of an icon. You could light a candle (Friendly advice: put your phone on airplane mode!)
the time of your appointment: the day before, decide and note this appointment with God in your diary. It is as important as any other appointment. And when the time comes, go to that appointment and don’t keep God waiting for you. Would you keep a dear friend waiting?
for a length of time: promise to God that you will stay with him for 15 minutes or 30 or 45 depending on what you feel you can give. Be realistic! And be faithful to the promised length of time.

You’re there!

Don’t hurry:

choose a relaxed body position, where you are comfortable, alert but won’t fall asleep
take some deep, slow breaths
make a gesture that expresses through your body, your presence to God: for example, a sign of the cross made slowly or opening up your hands, palms upwardsbe aware that God welcomes you into your prayer time
hear God ask you: ‘How are you?’

and answer him by laying before him all that is in your heart: your joys, worries, concerns, questions etc…

Enter into the gospel passage you have chosen

read the passage
try to remember the story being told as if you then had to tell it to someone else
reread the text a second time
Begin to contemplate the scene that is described:

Look at the characters in the text and pay attention to what they look like, what they do or don’t do, their actions or inactions

Listen to what they are saying or their silence

Try to discern what is their deeper desire

Focus on a specific part of the scene: the atmosphere, a word, an action

Give time for the scene to sink to the bottom of your heart…

Allow yourself to be a part of what is going on

Remember to look especially at Jesus and see how he speaks, touches, forgives, loves.

Allow yourself to be loved by Jesus in this same way.

Finish the prayer by talking to God as a friend talks to another friend: based on what you have watched, listened to, experienced, what do you want to say to God? How does God respond to you?

Take time to give thanks, to ask for what you need, to give praise.

End with a gesture, for example a sign of the cross, or low bow.

Keeping a note of this time of prayer

It is a very good idea to keep a spiritual journal where you can note down after the prayer the highlights of what happened. Record what most touched you, any challenges and questions that came up, significant feelings, graces received.