Structure in Prayer

I do not wish to suggest that structure is imperative to the ability to pray.

Nor would I suggest, even if you do find structure helpful, that my particular method is in some way better than any other.

If prayer is to be effective, you will need to search for and find what works best for you.  As long as you find a way to commune effectively with God, that is all that matters in the end.

I simply share the following as what works for me when I pray over scripture or other similar material.  I did learn this learn from Sister Gertrude Anne, who was my first spiritual adviser.  For me, the ability to visualize the scene is the most important component, followed closely by the ability to narrow the reading to just the few words that I feel particularly called to in that instant.

The links lead to the prayers I use to fulfill steps 1 and 2.

I rarely get to steps 7, 8 and 9.

1- Acknowledge His Presence
2- Ask for His Grace
3- Read or recite the passage
4- Visualize the setting of the passage
5- Be still and quiet
6- Find the couple words that speak to me today
7- Recognize my emotions
8- Converse with God
9- Repeat the Jesus Prayer in conclusion