How To Pray A Contemplative Prayer

Sometimes we may find ourselves contemplating life, our choices, and our behavior. We may have argued with a friend and are contemplating how the situation could have been handled better if we had exercised self-control and understanding. Perhaps nothing happened, but we are just considering whether people see Christ and if we show who God is and glorify Him in how we live our lives. Having those kinds of musings is not bad. It is the work of the Spirit to convict us of righteousness (And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: John 16:8). Unbelievers or those whose hearts are still hardened do not actually care.

Father in heaven, as I contemplate how I live my life, from the big things to the small things, show me how Your grace has been at work in my life, and let me be sensitive to what You are saying through Your Word. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

 

What Is A Contemplative Prayer?

In a contemplative prayer, we are asking God to search our hearts and reveal things we need revealed to us. For example, let’s say a conflict happened with someone. A contemplative prayer that you can pray might consist of asking God to show you what you could have done better to prevent that conflict. Was it to exercise more patience? Was it to try to understand the other person’s point of view more clearly?

A contemplative prayer is not necessarily something you only pray when something terrible happens. Suppose that you just preached the Gospel to someone after conversing with them. You can pray to God and ask Him how you could have preached the Gospel better or how to connect with people better.

Also, a contemplative prayer is about more than just contemplating things of the past. It could also be contemplation regarding matters of the present and the future, such as contemplating which choice to make and evaluating our heart’s motives as we try to make decisions.

An excellent example of a contemplative prayer is Psalm 139:23-24 (Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting). The psalmist, David, prays to God to search His heart, try him, know His thoughts, see if there is any grievous way in him, and lead him in the way everlasting. The heart of a contemplative prayer is to let God search our hearts, all of our emotions, thoughts, desires, etc.

We let God search our hearts by praying for the Holy Spirit to convict us. Also, we do it by letting God’s Word evaluate us as we read it. That is why reading God’s Word is essential for a renewed mind (And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2). As we renew our minds by delving into God’s Word, we know what God’s will is and what His Word is regarding the things we are contemplating.

Whether that is a decision we have to make, a past occurrence we are thinking about, or any matter of life that we are pondering, we can always gain insight and truth regarding the matter through the Word of God, which pierces through bone and marrow, is God-breathed, and profitable (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). (For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12)(All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

 

In other words, in a contemplative prayer, relying on the Holy Spirit and God’s Word is essential to gain the insights we need in our contemplation.

How Can I Pray A Contemplative Prayer?

The pattern in Psalm 139:23-24 is an excellent pattern to follow. As you contemplate a particular matter, you can ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and convict you or reveal what you must know. You can also pray for God’s Word to search your heart out and speak to you. You can do this by praying for God’s Word to pierce your heart and open your eyes to what you should see and understand. (Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24)

The point of the prayer is to ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your mind things that you need to know, whether that is a mistake you should address, an insight that could give you wisdom, or whatever other guidance you need from God. The same goes for when you are about to read God’s Word while contemplating a specific matter.

Heavenly Father, I am considering whether to accept a particular job offer. Search my heart, Holy Spirit, and make me aware of any terrible motives within me. May Your Word search out my heart, counsel me, and give me insight as I think about it. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

If you find yourself contemplating things, you are growing in wisdom and maturity. That means you exercise prudence as you go through life. Mature people don’t just recklessly go on with life but pause and think about whether those are matters of the future or the past. That is what the wise of heart and men of understanding do.