Augustinian Prayer (NF)

Augustinian Prayer & the NF Personality Type:

Augustinian Prayer makes use of the imagination by taking the words from Scripture and applying them to the life of the seeker today – providing a personal reflection on the presence of God in every day life. This kind of prayer is called “transposition” because we put ourselves into the scripture and find meaning within.

Because the NF type looks for meaning in everything and every day life, this particular way of praying suits them well. NF’s will find the Gospel of Luke interestingfor his good story telling and infusion of meaning into everything. Jesus’ compassion for sinners… for women… and outcasts finds a responsive chord. Of all the temperaments, the NF personality needs more time in prayer and quiet meditation than others. For NF’s this time is necessary to develop his/her personal relationship with God and the world.

Questions asked in Augustinian Prayer:

“What do these words of Scripture mean to me in my present situation?”
“What message is the Lord trying to convey to me in these ancient words of the Bible?”
By using their intuition in transposing the Scriptures, the NF personality makes the Bible relevant to current personal and community problems and needs. Creative Imagination is essential to Augustinian Prayer. Usually good with words, both in speaking and writing, the NF personality type finds journal keeping not a chore but a joy.
Since the life of the NF personality revolves around personal relationships, this will also be true in the NF personality type’s prayer life. The NF should endeavor to create a good, loving relationship with each person of the Trinity: a parental relationship with the First Person; a brotherly, friendship relationship with Jesus; a spousal relationship of love with the Holy Spirit. Icons, statues, and other representations of art which express beautifully and symbolically a good relationship with God will also help the NF personality in prayer.

Guidelines For Augustinian Prayer:

This prayer style should consist of a dialogue between God and yourself.

Begin with a Scripture Passage

suggestions: Ephesians 3:14-21 (replace you with me)

1Corinthians 13:4-8 (replace “love” and “charity with your name)

Matthew 7:1-5

Find a comfortable place and center as before

Listen carefully to what God is telling you in the words of Scripture and try to read between the lines to discern the deeper meaning. Reflect prayerfully on the meaning and try to apply it to your situation today.

Respond to God’s Word with appropriate personal feelings and dialogue in prayer

Contemplation: Quiet down and become still, so you can be open to new insights that your intuition reveals.

Homework: Individual Ignatian Prayer

  1. Praying Online:
  1. Augustinian Prayer Practice: (three options)
  • Read Isaiah 43:1-5. Change the words, “Jacob” and “Israel” to your own name. Try to imagine the Lord speaking these words directly to you. What meaning would they have for you in your present sitiaiton? Try to transpose the message from God to yourself today. What is the Lord talking about when He tells you, “Fear not.” What fears do you have? Water and fire were the two great dangers which arouse the fears of ancient people; what are the greatest dangers you face in your life? What is the Lord telling you to do in time of danger? Imagine Jesus saying to you now, “You are precious in my eyes, and I love you.” “Fear not, I am with you.” How do you see this to be trin in your own situation today?
  • Read John Chapter 17. Rewrite it so that it could be a prayer that Jesus might be praying for you personally at this very moment in your life. Change or omit whatever words or verses that do not apply to you. If you have a tape recorder, read the new prayer into it. then listen to it. Close your eyes and imagine Jesus praying thusly for you today. Or, you mighjts simply read it slowly to yourself’; and imagine Jesus praying or speaking these words to you.