Once the prayer has begun, there should be no technical announcements or explanations that interrupt the flow.

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1 Vocations Awareness Week 1. Setup of Venue: Priests for Scotland Bishops Conference of Scotland It is important to make the prayer-space as harmonious as you can. Participants may sit in a circle or facing toward a focal point. A place of prayer can be made welcoming with very little - a cross, an open Bible, some candles, icons, and flowers. The lighting should be subdued, not glaring. A carpet might be placed in the centre for those who wish to pray while kneeling or sitting on the ground; chairs or benches should also be available around the edges for those who may prefer to sit on them. Leading the prayer is a service to others. It entails preparing the prayer and making sure it goes forward in a way that allows everyone to remain focused on the essential, with no distractions. Once the prayer has begun, there should be no technical announcements or explanations that interrupt the flow. 2. The Service: It is best to perhaps start the gathering with a welcome and explanation of Taize Services and any practicalities. Stress that the essence of the service will be repetitive, meditative chants along with prayer and silence. Start the Service with an opening chant and an opening prayer. Intersperse the service with prayers, chants and periods of silence. During prayers of intercession it is common to use the chant O Lord hear my prayer. Start with singing a verse then have several instrumental verses while intercessions are spoken. Follow with a verse sung, then more instrumental and more spoken intercessions, before finishing with two or three verses sung. Finish service with a closing prayer and a final chant (e.g. an uplifting chant such as Laudate Dominum) The Chants: When possible use several common chants that the majority of attendees will be familiar with (particularly for the opening chant). Where chants are in Latin, provide a translation in English. Match the themes of the prayers to chants (e.g. Magnificat chant for Marian prayers, etc) Visit for words, music, resources, copyright permission, etc. Please note, that these are only suggestions. Each service will be different depending on location, size, number in attendance, age group, etc. Hopefully these tips help! Priests for Scotland 89 Abercromby Street, GLASGOW, G40 2SA Tel.: , Fax: , amckenzie@pfs.org.uk

2 PRAYER SERVICE ONE Leader We are gathered here in the presence of God. Let us be still for a few moments asking God to touch our lives with his love. (Pause) Opening Hymn Bless the Lord my soul and bless God s Holy name. Bless the Lord my soul who leads me into Life. (Pause) Opening Prayer O Holy Spirit, give me stillness of soul. Calm the anxiety within with a deep trust in you. Strengthen our faith with the awareness of your presence. Give fullness to the love within our hearts with an outpouring of your love. Holy Spirit, be to me a source of light, strength and courage, so that I may hear your call ever more clearly and follow it more generously. Amen. Gospel Reading John 12: (Pause- Homily and Reflection) Hymn: Ubi Caritas et amor, Ubi Caritas, Deus ibi est Page 2

3 (Where charity and love is found, God is there) Leader: Let us pause for a moment and listen to what God is asking of us today. Speak Lord I am listening, (pause) Let your Word touch my life. (pause) May it find a home in me. (pause) (Pause for reflection and prayer) John Paul II Prayer for Vocations (All together) Lord Jesus, as you once called the first disciples to make them fishers of men, let your invitation continue to resound: Come, follow me! Give young men and women the grace of responding quickly to your voice. Support your bishops, priests and sisters in their apostolic labor. Grant perseverance to our seminarians and to all those who are carrying out the ideal of a life totally consecrated to your service. Awaken in us a missionary eagerness. Lord, Send workers to your harvest and do not allow humanity to be lost for the lack of priests, missionaries, and people dedicated to the cause of the Gospel. Mary, Mother of the Church, the model of every vocation, help us to say "yes" to the Lord Who calls us to cooperate in the divine plan of salvation. Hymn Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Prayers of Intercession Leader: Today we are praying that others may be inspired to come and dedicate their lives to God in the Priesthood or the Religious Life - to be his apostles breaking the word of God for others, giving their time and energy in your service. Page 3

4 Hymn Sung before and after each intercession O Lord Hear my prayer, O Lord Hear my prayer, when I call answer me. O Lord Hear my prayer, O Lord Hear my prayer, Come and Listen to me Lord you have called each of us to live for you. May we live with passion the life you have given to each of us. May our hearts be filled with gentleness. May we share all that is Christ with those we meet. May we be always ready to respect others and recognise that God lives in each of us May we be drawn by the power of your love and show your care and concern for others. May our lives be filled with your joy and your peace. And so reflect your life within us. Final Prayer Prayer of Discernment As I look upon your face, Loving Jesus, I see your invitation to trust you. Send your Holy Spirit upon me as I make my pilgrimage in life and grant me the grace to trust you more and more each day. You have given me a unique constellation of gifts and talents to be used in building up the community of faith. May I always look to your face and see you as the greatest sign of God s love for me. Then grant me the courage to follow your witness by giving my life in loving service. Amen. Page 4

5 Final Hymn: Laudate Dominum, Laudate Dominum, Omnes, Gentes, Alleluia! This Service was prepared with the help of the Paisley Diocesan Vocations Team. Page 5