Four Anchor Points of Prayer

These are aids to prayer, not prescriptions. Use what helps, discard or change what does not. Add what you know helps you.

  1. Preparation

    • Ask yourself, How am I feeling? What sort of mood am I in? Therefore…
    • What do I want to ask God for? Peace? Generosity? Openness? Forgiveness?
    • What scripture text, hymn, poem, etc. shall I use?
    • If necessary read the text slowly several times

  2. Entry into Prayer

    • Choose your place of prayer and go to it.
    • Light a candle; place an object or an icon.
    • Realising that harmony of body and spirit is important, take a peaceful, relaxed, meaningful position.
    • Become still and centred, perhaps using an awareness or stillness exercise.
    • Become aware that you are in the presence of your Creator who hold and beholds you: the God who loves you just as your are.
    • Ask God for what you most deeply desire

    Prayer

  3. Exit from Prayer

    • This is a gracious leave-taking, just as when leaving a friend.
    • Quietly bring your prayer together and in the light of this slowly make a simple prayer from your heart to God. Speak in your own words
    • Say a slow Our Father or Glory be.
    • Slowly leave the place where you have been praying, thanking God for the time God has been with you.

  4. Review/Reflection after Prayer

    If possible do this in a different place from where you have been praying. Slowly recall the prayer period: rather like a video replay of the highlights of your prayer. You might like to ask yourself questions such as these:

    • What is good to be at prayer, or not? Why?
    • Was there any word or phrase that particularly struck me?
    • What were my feelings and changes in mood? Was I peaceful, loving, trusting, sad discouraged, bored, restless…? What do these feelings say to me?
    • How has my awareness of God’s presence changed?
    • Did I learn something during my prayer? Did God ask something of me? How did I feel about that?
    • Is there something I should return to in my next period of prayer?

    5. You may find it helpful to jot down your answers in a notebook or journal.