Praying with the ‘Joy of the Gospel’ “If something should rightly disturb us… it is the fact that so many of our brothers and sisters are living without the strength, light and consolation born of friendship with Jesus Christ, without a community of faith to support them, without meaning and a goal in life.” 49
The art of spiritual reading is usually associated with reading and praying the Bible, but it can also be used with Church documents. Here are suggestions for reading of Pope Francis’ The Joy of the Gospel, so that seeds of the new evangelization can be sown in your heart.[i] We recommend that you start with Sections: 3, 5, 8, 10, 21, 24, 34, 47 and 49, using the steps below.
1. Pause: Take some time to relax and let go of the activities and concerns of the day. Second, gently focus your attention on Jesus, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner,” or pray the “Our Father”.
2. Pour Over: Read a paragraph or section of the document. Let the words pour over you, cleansing you from within, penetrating your heart. You might underline, circle, or highlight a word, a phrase, or image that strikes you as meaningful, hopeful, or challenging.
3. Ponder: Select one striking line of the text. [ It might be: consolation born of friendship with Jesus Christ]. Enter it in a notebook with the section number. Paraphrase the line in your own words. How does it speak to you or about you? What does Jesus Christ want you to hear today from this reading?
4. Pray: You might write a short letter or prayer to Jesus, surrendering your thoughts and feelings to Christ. Then listen for Jesus’ voice, wait for his inner touch, however light or tenuous. [In our example: we might write about a time of consolation from Jesus]
5. Proclaim: Find a way to share the “fruit” of your spiritual reading with a spiritual friend or small faith-sharing group in your parish. [In our example: we might plan an act of spiritual consolation for someone who is suffering].
