As we continue our Lenten series on how to pray with Ignatian Contemplation, we have
an interesting opportunity this weekend. Often, contemplations are done with Gospel
stories. But Old Testament stories can be good too! This Sunday, the first reading is
the story of Moses and the burning bush. You might want to try praying with it during
the week ahead.

Here’s a guided Ignatian Contemplation with the story of Moses on the mountain:

1. For a few moments, I consider how God is looking at me with great love.
2. I ask that all my thoughts, emotions and actions will be focused on and guided by God in the prayer ahead.
3. I slowly read over the account of Moses and the burning bush once, reminding myself of the story. (Exodus 3:1-15)
4. I imagine the scene in the story: What do the mountain and the land look, sound, feel, smell like, where Moses is leading his flock of sheep? What sounds are the animals making? Is it a sunny or rainy day? I see Moses there, in the middle of his day of work. How do I imagine him dressed, what is he doing? I can imagine more details for a little while too…
5.  I take a moment and ask God for a grace: what it is I’m seeking. It might be simply to know, love, and serve him more…or to hear his call more clearly.
6.  Now I imagine myself right there with Moses, just as if I were walking beside him. I see him go over to the bush, I hear what he and God say to one another. I refer to the details of the passage… but I also listen for other things it seems they’re saying and doing. Maybe they begin to interact with me. How do I feel? Maybe I want to say something and do something too…
7.  I take some time to talk with the Father, or Jesus, or the Holy Spirit…the way one friend speaks to another…whatever comes to mind. I might talk with Mary as well and ask for her prayers.
8.  I close with an Our Father or another prayer.

In prayer,

Fr. Phil Hurley, S.J.
Pastor