Group Reflections on a lifetime of prayer. Autumn 2013 season

Transcription

1 Group Reflections on a lifetime of prayer Autumn 2013 season

2 Opening Prayers Let us take a few moments to gather ourselves; to distance ourselves from the busyness of the world; to bring our thoughts, cares and concerns before the Father.

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9 Psalm 103(102) - Alternate the Psalm, two sides of the room A, B. A B A Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, who forgives all your iniquity, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle s. The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.

10 B A B The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger for ever. So great is his love towards those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, As a father has compassion for his children, the Lord has compassion for those who fear him. The steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children s children, to those who keep his covenant Bless the Lord, O my soul.

11 Prayer What is prayer? A surge of the heart? A rich treasure, never exhausted? A lover s conversation? A struggle and a challenge? What are your experiences of prayer? Favourite prayers? Who taught you to pray?

12 Feedback Amazing Grace com/s/tmychpv Radiating Christ com/s/72r22rx

13 Teach Us to Pray Where does this fit in to the Year of Faith? Why was the theme chosen? What s new in this booklet?

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16 Session one The Little Ones What are parents wishing for their children? Holy Family dedicating Jesus to the Temple echoed in baptism. Prayer for the child before and after birth. TB daily blessing Luke 2:22-35 Presentation at the Temple

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18 Session two Childhood Learning to pray as children. Important to learn the words common to the worshipping community but vital to develop own space. TB sacred space Matthew 18:1-5, unless you change and become like children

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20 Session three Youth An age of creativity and anxiety. Moving into adolescence we experience love in a new way. Prayer as a conversation in love between creation and Creator. TB recollect n Luke 10:38-42 Martha and Mary the better part

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22 Session four Maturing in our Faith Keenness to make our mark on the world. Action as prayer, daily acts. Time apart for prayer is vital too. Prayer informs our decisions and actions. TB vocal prayer Matthew 5:1-12, Sermon on the Mount Beatitudes

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24 Session five Full of Wisdom Is retirement or middle age a time for sitting back or a time for reassessing our pursuit of sainthood? Humility in prayer at the price of independence. TB meditation Luke 18:9-14 Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee

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26 Session six Close to the Father God is with us from conception to the end of our life and beyond. Prayer as a way of seeking God s will. Prayer as expression of joy and gratitude. TB contemplation John 21:16-19 Do you love me, Simon son of John?

27 Additional materials As well as the six sessions for groups this booklet also contains: Meditations on the Lord s Prayer and the Beatitudes Quotes on prayer Prayers for different occasions Further reading and The Daily Prayers taken from the Divine Office

28 Read, follow and join For additional reflections visit our blog: dowsmallgroups.wordpress.com For short questions on the Sunday gospel: twitter.com/dowsmallgroups For the latest newsletters and news: facebook.com/dowsmallgroups

29 Closing Prayer Eternal Father, your Son has promised that whatever we ask in his name will be given to us. In his name I pray: give me a burning faith, a joyful hope, a holy love for Jesus Christ. Give me the grace of perseverance in doing your will in all things. Do with me what you will. I repent of having offended you. Grant, O Lord, that I may love you always and never let me be separated from you. O my God and my All, make me a saint! Amen. St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori ( )