Different forms of prayer and devotion
Prayer Book (Traditional and School Prayers)
Prayers
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is a form of prayer that involves meditating on scripture. The name is Latin for ‘sacred reading’ and it dates back to the early Christian Church, around the time of St Benedict. In Lectio Divina a scripture passage is slowly read and meditated upon four times, in complete silence.
https://www.teachingcatholickids.com/lectio-divina-for-kids/
Visio Divina
Visio Divina, which means "divine seeing," is a form of prayer that invites individuals to reflect on and pray through visual art or images. Much like the well-known practice of Lectio Divina (prayerful reading of scripture), Visio Divina encourages a slow, meditative approach to encountering the divine through imagery.
In a school setting, Visio Divina can be practiced by using religious images, such as murals, icons, or other sacred artwork, as a focal point for prayer and contemplation. Students and staff are invited to observe the image, reflect on what it communicates spiritually, and listen for God’s message through the visual. This process helps deepen understanding, fosters spiritual growth, and encourages personal reflection on faith.
Steps for Visio Divina:
- Prepare – Begin in silence, asking God to guide your thoughts and reflections.
- Look at the Image – Observe the art carefully. Pay attention to the details, colors, and emotions it stirs.
- Meditate – Reflect on how the image speaks to you. What does it reveal about God or your own faith journey?
- Pray – Offer a personal prayer based on your reflections, asking for guidance or expressing gratitude.
- Contemplate – Sit in silence, allowing God’s presence to fill you through the experience.
Visio Divina is a meaningful way for pupils, families, and staff to engage visually and spiritually, using art to deepen their connection with God.
Five Finger Prayer
The Examen
The Examen is a spiritual practice rooted in the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, designed to help individuals reflect on their day and become more aware of God’s presence in their lives. It is a form of prayerful reflection that encourages gratitude, self-awareness, and discernment. This simple yet powerful prayer helps individuals recognise God’s guidance in their daily experiences, reflect on their actions, and seek ways to grow in faith.
Steps for the Examen:
- Place yourself in God's Presence – Begin by taking a moment of silence to invite God into your reflection. God has been with us today, let us remember that He is with us.
- Give Thanks – Reflect on the blessings of your day, both big and small. Offer gratitude for the people, moments, and experiences that brought joy and peace.
- Looking back with the Holy Spirit – Look back on the events of the day, from morning to night. Consider your thoughts, words, and actions, and notice where you felt closest to God and where you may have felt distant.
- Say sorry for anything you did wrong – Acknowledge any moments where you fell short or made mistakes. Ask for forgiveness and reflect on how you can improve in the future.
- Look Forward to Tomorrow – With hope and trust, ask God for guidance for the day ahead. Seek strength and wisdom to carry forward the lessons you’ve learned.
Pray As You Go
Pray as you Go have produced a lovely way for families to share a version of the traditional Jesuit prayer form the Examen. This can be used at the end of the day. Either go to the website and listen to the instructions or download the pdf file. Please do share it. https://pray-as-you-go.org/