Franciscan Contemplative Prayer Service

Using the setting of compline we have composed this service with resources from the 3rd Order Fransiscans daily prayer liturgy and other Holy Hermit St Francis of Assisi and Holy Hermit St Clare of Assisi inspired resources.

A Visio Divina Practice will also feature as part of the liturgy.

Please feel welcome to bring your own image for contemplation. An image will be supplied on screen too.

1) Find an Image for Prayer

Select either what is featured on screen or an image in your space

2) Prepare Your Heart for Prayer

Close your eyes, breathe, clear your mind, and ask God to enter into this time of prayer with you. Ask God to speak to you through this image.

3) Allow the Image to Speak to Your Heart

Open your eyes and look at the image you’ve selected. Let your eyes pause and focus on the part of the image they’re first drawn to.

Gaze upon just that part of the image for a minute or two. Then close your eyes, still seeing that part of the image in your mind.

4) Reflect on the Entire Image

Open your eyes and now look upon the whole image. Gaze upon all of the image, allowing it to draw forth a word, an emotion, or an image in your heart.

What do you hear God whispering into your heart? What thoughts or questions is this image raising? What emotions do you feel?

Continue to gaze and reflect as long as you need to, then briefly close and rest your eyes.

5) Pray Through the Image

Open your eyes. While looking upon the image, respond to God. Pray through the words, images, emotions, questions, and thoughts that are now on your heart.

Continue to look upon the image as you pray. Then, close and rest your eyes briefly.

6) Rest and Reflect in God

As you close out your time in prayer, open your eyes and gaze again upon the image. Rest in God’s presence as you reflect upon this prayer experience.

Consider how you’ll take this into your life. You may choose to journal about your experience.