Three Methods of Prayer
"The first consists in making use of our imagination, by representing the Divine Jesus in his cradle, in the arms of his Holy Mother and of the great Saint Joseph. We must represent the mystery very simply to ourselves.
The second way is the use of considerations by representing to ourselves the virtues our Lord practiced, his humility, his patience, his meekness, and his charity towards his enemies. In these considerations, we will feel our will wholly moved in God and will produce strong affections from which we draw resolutions for the day.
The third way is to keep ourselves simply in God's presence by looking at him with the eyes of faith in each mystery, conversing with him by words full of confidence. Then remain quietly in his presence, neither troubling nor disturbing yourself for any dryness which may befall you."
- St. Jane de Chantal
Love is Pure
By Julie O'Malley Moeller '93
Recipient of the St. Jane de Chantal Service Award 2018
One method of prayer St. Jane describes instructs us to talk with God in words of full confidence. For me, this method of prayer can be simple and flow naturally, but other times a numbness akin to writer's block plagues me, and I struggle to find any words. Over the years, my students have come to my aid when the words sadly leave and authentic, meaningful discussions with God elude me.
Years ago, as a teacher in a middle school classroom, I had a student whom I will call Alexis. Despite her pre-teen age, Alexis still struggled with toileting issues, a common consequence of the sexual abuse she experienced early in life. One day, as I was dismissing my students from class, she stared at me in complete fear. I asked her, publicly, to stay in her seat to finish an assignment. Once the class was gone, we made our way to the restroom, found a fresh uniform, and cleaned up the classroom so she could rejoin her peers.
Late that afternoon, I returned to my desk and discovered a paper towel in the center. In hot pink ink there was a stick-figure-drawing of a girl and a woman and a heart. The note in Alexis's writing read "Love is pure."
Many classrooms and school offices later, I continue to keep this paper towel in my desk drawer. When I struggle to pray, it's one of my crutches. When another group of children are shot in schools or another young black man is killed because his intentions were incorrectly assumed, I need this note from Alexis to find God. I don't want to have meaningful discussion with Him at the times I probably most need to, but the paper towel helps. Its power is heavy, like a punch reminding me of all that is both good and evil in our world. It reminds me that indeed God is love and when I struggle to find a way to talk with Him, or see Him in terrible circumstances, loving actions often help me back on the path.
Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
(St. Margaret Mary Alacoque)
O Heart of Love, I put all my trust in you.
For I fear all things from my own weakness,
but I hope for all things from your goodness.
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Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School
1524 Thirty-fifth Street NW • Washington, DC 20007 • 202.337.3350
Special thanks to Cecilia Kane '16 for the banner photo.