Depending on where we are in the stages of prayer, we will “verbalize” differently, according to St. John of the Cross. In the purgative and illuminative stages, we have a lot to say to God, and He reciprocates. Verbal meditation becomes increasingly more frequent, focused, balanced, and peaceful. But in the desolation of the night of the soul, where God is preparing one to receive Him as He is – without images or words – verbalization comes to an abrupt and shocking halt. Indeed words are unnecessary, now, and can even prohibit the union with Him that God wants to give us.
Study Audio
LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice: lectio without the Latin. This week’s LOVE the Word™ exercise is according to an Ignatian* personality approach from chapter seven of my newest book with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers: Ignite, Read the Bible Like Never Before. See details below.
Listen (Receive the Word)
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt 5:1-10).
Observe (Connect the passage to recent events.)
I wonder how it felt, sitting on the springtime meadow grass dotted with lilies in the quiet of early morning, catching the occasional whiff of what strains the fishermen’s nets as they are brought up from the shores of the lake in the distance. What was it like as the human race heard such radical things for the first time?
How did it feel to be part of that crowd? Did the grass sing? Did the earth pound with the new truths, the new law inaugurated with every word? No longer a matter of mere outward behavior, Jesus revealed that holiness includes something deeper, something higher, something fuller. What was Jesus emphasizing?
If God is not schizophrenic, but utterly consistent, why does Jesus come to us so differently from Moses? What does the springtime, pastoral Galilean setting communicate? What emotions play across Jesus’ face as He eases His overflowing heart in the company of those wholly devoted to Him? Are you amazed at every word, the cadence of each syllable? Why or why not?
Re-read the passage from the Sermon on the Mount, above. As you read, think: Do I believe Him?
What should you do now?
Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions).
Dear Jesus, what balm your words are to my soul, how strange and surprising their tenor. I see that you have suited yourself to the comprehension of earnest hearers; the way you repeat one thought over and over, laying it before me in a new form each time so I can appreciate nuance and subtlety. I sense how you long to be known and loved through the gentleness of your teachings. And yet how difficult they are!
You seem never too tired to prolong your instruction while my soul strains for your help to understand. Reflected in your words, as in a clear and spotless mirror, I see how backward I live from you. I see my prejudice, my preconceptions, my selfishness. That you seek to overthrow them all undoes me, and I am afraid of all you ask, even as the hope of it draws me to you. I pray for the grace and courage to live out this new law of love in all my duties today, especially the one you are pointing out to me here…
Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Maybe you want to offer thanksgiving for the gentleness with which your Savior approaches you.
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*LOVE the Word™ exercises vary weekly according to the four personalities, or “prayer forms,” explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Ignatian, Augustinian, Franciscan, and Thomistic. These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types.
Episode Resources
This week’s LOVE the Word™ exercise is from chapter six of my newest book with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers: Ignite, Read the Bible Like Never Before, available for pre-order with a 30% discount using code SPARK here.
Ignite will be out August 17. Get a preview of the introduction and first chapter here.
Read the Transcript
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Courtesy of Kristie Hynniman, who does our transcriptions for you.
Ask Me Anything, (Most) Wednesdays, now on YouTube
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Karin Ann
I am so blessed and moved by your words of instruction, Sonja. This one I will listen to a couple more times. Thank you.
<3
Thanks ???? for all you do and for being so very real.
Hugs!
Your podcasts are such a blessing! I get something new every time I listen to them and I have listened to many 2-3 times. I have a couple of questions about the LOVE the Word method:
1- I usually start out my lectio with an intention that I write down in a notebook, and then I open my bible up to whatever passage I put my finger on looking for guidance. Been doing it this way for years, but most of the time, I have no idea what the passage has to do with my prayer. Sometime (many, in fact) I have opened up to a blank page!! Should I save the intention part for the V part of the exercise? Maybe I’m not doing this correctly or looking for something too specific?
2 – What do you do when you read a passage and you literally have NO idea what the HS is trying to tell you? I frequently get discouraged because I just can’t figure out what He is trying to say? I know it’s me and not Him…..still, I have no idea sometimes.
3 – can we start a Friends FB page so we can all ask each other questions about our progress? I’m happy to help you with that, if need be.
Thanks, Sonja! You have really given me hope.
1 & 2 – I think part of your difficulty might be the kind of Eight-Ball way you’re going about your Bible reading. Try the LOVE method for a month with the daily Mass readings and I promise you will get clarity. I will address this more as we continue through the series, especially the shows on the lectionary and Mass readings.
3 – That’s a great idea! Let me think on that. In the meantime, I will connect this comment with the FB page and see what pops.
Sounds good on the FB page – I was thinking it would be nice to have a place for us all to reflect with each other on our progress, especially as it pertains to lectio but other spiritual issues, as well. The only thing I would say is to consider making it a closed or private group so that our comments can be more personal and not out there for all the world to see. Don’t want to worry about triggering some of my other FB friends. I live in DC – we are ALL triggered here :)
You have mentioned The dark soul of the night- La noche oscura Del alma) love the title in Spanish very poetic :) anyway there are so many different writing on St. John dark soul of the night & some are very difficult too read which one would you recommend after just googling him & reading his pome and all the steps you mention. I would like too now which one too read?
You are so right on about these stages love it . We can really learn from him , but he is very deep .????
Marina, I am unsure where to direct you. He is very hard to read and understand sometimes, but I wonder if reading him in his native Spanish would be helpful? Have you searched for a Spanish version on Amazon?
I can’t read Spanish however I can speak it I was never taught to read it but I can read titles of a Book & understand the beautiful meaning Of those words are so rich with meaning Spanish words get lost in translation .But I learn to speak Spanish because of my grandparents .
So much for my history ( sorry) I have read some manytjing on the Internet ? However I thought I might ask you because of this teaching. Brought light too my soul it just spoke too me why so much isolation Depression & etc…
Therefore I think many like myself my want too read this book .
there is nothing like a book to tear into
& then there are work books it just all so confusing?????
And thought maybe you could guide me in some direction? Pray about it & if the Lotd leads you too one please share .itbwith men . Thank you for responding to my question.
???????? Marina
Marianne- Part 1- You said you start with an intention. I had been guided to begin all prayer with praise & thanks to God and calling on the Holy Spirit. Direct our minds first to God in praise.
You also said that you don’t know what the passage has to with you/ blank page. Looks at the fruits of your efforts. I suggest changing a little- as Sonja said to read the readings of the day. I didn’t know how the old testament reading had to do with my present life. But God always shows up & speaks to you. And God knows exactly what you need & where you need help even before you are asking. Trust in the Lord.
God bless you.