RELATIONAL PRAYER: St. Teresa of Avila said, “For mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us.” The A-R-R-R Prayer is a simple method of coming to the Lord as you are. It can be used almost any time of the day and in just about any circumstance. It can also be used within any other method of prayer such as Lectio Divina or Ignatian Contemplation as a way of conversing with the Lord. The “A-R-R-R” stands for different movements within the prayer: Acknowledge, Relate, Receive, Respond.

ACKNOWLEDGE – Openly and honestly without prejudice acknowledge how you are before God. What you are experiencing? What is moving in your heart?

Marian Example: At the Annunciation Mary was “troubled” and pondered what the words of the Angel meant.

RELATE – Bring yourself as you are into relationship with God by relating your experience to Him. Speak to him from your heart.

Marian Example: At the Annunciation Mary asked, “How can this be?”

RECEIVE – Listen to what God is doing with the movements of your heart. Receive his presence and the constancy of his love.

Marian Example: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you.”

RESPOND – What we receive impels us to respond in gratitude and with renewed heart.

Marian Example: Mary’s fiat, “May it be done unto me…”