Music or Dance
SAVIO RODRIGUES SJ
Read a passage from scriptures, preferably an event in the gospels. Then with the eyes of your imagination make the scene come alive to you. Now start your body movements. Use slow steps, akin to a slow waltz. Enjoy every single movement. Feel every emotion in your limbs and body. Enact the gospel story through your movements, gestures, feelings, emotions. RE-LIVE that moment of the gospel, as if it were happening here and now to you.
The same form of prayer can be used when listening to instrumental music (not vocal — for the words will distract you). Try and capture the moods of the music through your movements and motions. Enjoy it, and feel every emotion of the music in your entire body. Just let go of yourself. Let your moods take over, like in a trance, but always being aware of the feelings or moods you are going through.
After you have done this it is very important to write your review of the prayer. Seat down and pen your feelings and emotions. What went through your mind? What are you feeling right now? The review will help you discover what the Lord has to say to you or has said to you through this entertaining form of prayer.
Through music and dance one can reach very high levels of intimacy with God.
The Prayer Method on this page has been provided with permission from the book Pray: How? by Savio Rodrigues SJ