St. Dominic s. December Wherever the Master was, he always spoke either to God or about God.

Transcription

1 Intentional Preachers Pray St. Dominic s December 2015 Wherever the Master was, he always spoke either to God or about God. Brother Paul of Venice, at the canonization proceedings for St. Dominic (1233)

2 Intentional Preachers Overview What do you mean by Intentional Preachers? In 2013 we began by focusing on Intentional Disciples. It was an opportunity to explore what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and to become more intentional about discipleship. Last year we focused on Intentional Seekers. In that series we looked at the doubts and barriers that frequently keep us from getting to discipleship. Now, on the eve of the celebration of 800 years since the founding of the Dominican order (A.K.A., the Order of Preachers), we plan to explore Dominican Spirituality. Many of us find ourselves drawn to this Dominican parish, but we can t really tell you why. Other orders seem to have a very clear spirituality (e.g., the Jesuits or Benedictines). For this year we ll discover and explore what it means to be part of the Dominican family. What unique gifts and insights have kept fervor of St. Dominic alive for 800 years. How can those gifts and insights speak today in San Francisco. Our goal is to: Radiate the Joy of the Gospel from the Heart of the City What is asked of me? First, pick up a booklet at St. Dominic s each month and follow along. If you can, attend one of the Explore sessions (everyone is welcome) offered each month. If you want to go deeper, sign up for a Small Christian Community. Small communities will meet twice a month to discuss. We hope to be able to offer committed small communities and drop in small communities as we get a better understanding of people s interested. Please see the back cover for specific dates. When did the Intentional Preacher initiative start? September 2015 was our first month. We will gradually roll it out to the whole parish. We hope to be able to connect people whenever they learn about the initiative or are ready to get involved. What if I m not sure how much of this I m ready to do? Pick up a booklet, and try it out. Pray about it. I m interested, but I just don t have the time. We understand that this will not fit everyone s interest or schedule. We would like to ask you to pray for this initiative in the parish. 2

3 Format Each month we ll have a theme based around some aspect of Dominican Spirituality. We ll pick scripture passages and other writings that will help us explore this theme. We ll spend the month going deeper and challenging ourselves. In September and October, we will roll this out to the parish. We will form several small communities. It is not too late to join one if you are interested (see the back cover). We plan to make this a yearlong initiative. Here s the planned format for each month: Week 1 - Explore In the Explore session we break open the texts and learn about the theme. This week is led by a presenter who has prepared to take you deeper into the topic of the month. We generally take time to discuss the central readings of the month in small groups and to share the group s insights with everyone at the session. By the end of the Explore session you should be ready to connect the theme with your life as the month unfolds. You can explore the theme on your own through this book, or you can attend a presentation (see the upcoming schedule on the back cover). Week 2 - Share Consider joining a small community to discuss the themes in our lives. There is something powerful about gathering with others to explore and respond to spiritual practices. If you can t join a small community, you can take time each day to pray the texts and reflect on your own journey. Week 3 - Act This week we ll challenged ourselves to take some practical step in our daily lives. We ll do this on our own, so if you re part of a small community, there will not be a meeting this week. Week 4 - Share Gather again in your small community or reflect on your own. Bernardus valles, montes Benedictus amabat, Oppida Franciscus, celebres Dominicus urbes. (Bernard loved the valleys, Benedict the mountains, Francis the towns, Dominic the populous cities) 3

4 Intentional Preachers Pray Starter Questions How much variety is there to your prayer (different modes, attitudes, etc.)? How does changing your mode of prayer change your prayer? How is your body involved in your prayer? 4

5 Week 1 - Explore What is the use of calling ourselves Christians if we intentionally avoid speaking to, listening to, and relying upon Christ? Not to pray is to defeat the purpose of the sacraments, especially baptism. Angelo Stagnaro, How to Pray the Dominican Way Last month we introduced the Four Pillars of Dominican Life (Community, Prayer, Study, and Mission) and focused on Community. This month we ll focus on Prayer. Yes, we ve already looked at Contemplation which is a form of prayer. This month we ll tap a well known medieval manuscript, The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic, to expand our prayer repertoire. The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic is the work of an unknown author around The work is actually very short, and can hardly be considered a treatise on prayer. There are a few things that come immediately to light. Prayer was very important to St. Dominic. It is said that St. Dominic always spoke to God or about God. St. Dominic did not speak to God in just one way. Instead, he used a variety of ways designed to dispose himself to God. St. Dominic s prayer was bodily and directional. Each form of prayer has a focus and a posture designed to echo that focus. In this way, St. Dominic expressed the essential connection between the body and soul in our relationship with God. We are, after all, embodied souls. We believe that Jesus took on the fullness of our humanity, body and soul. And, we believe in the resurrection of the body. This means that we are destined, body and soul, to be with God. This month will involve multiple ways of prayer. They may not all be your ideal form of prayer, but I still invite you to try them to see what they have to offer. The Nine Ways are the living testament of Dominic s way of being, not so much doing, the gestures mirroring his heart s attitude to God s presence. Sheila Flynn, O.P., Grace Outpoured An interpretation of St Dominic's Nine Ways of Prayer 5

6 Exercises 1) Make a list of general attitudes you want to express to God in prayer (gratitude, openness, humility, sorrow, etc.). 2) What posture or gesture expresses this attitude best? 3) What words (from the Bible or your own) express this attitude best? 1) Attitudes a) b) c) d) e) f) 2) Posture/Gesture a) b) c) d) e) f) 6

7 3) Words a) b) c) d) e) f) 7

8 Text From ways of prayer of saint dominic.html 1st Way Saint Dominic's first way of prayer was to assume a humble posture before God, one that emphasised his own lowliness before the greatness of God. Here we see Saint Dominic inclining his head before the altar of God. 2nd Way The second way of prayer was for Saint Dominic to life face down before the altar of God reciting the verse from Saint Luke's gospel (18:13): 'Lord be merciful to me a sinner.' It is said that Dominic taught the young friars that if they were unable to weep for their own sins that there were many in need of God's mercy 8

9 3rd Way Saint Dominic's third way of prayer was to perform penance by disciplining himself with an iron chain. The practice of this type of discipline may seem odd or extreme in our modern world but clearly self discipline is needed and vital to mature spiritual growth. Note (from Scott): We re in no way encouraging the use of an iron chain! If you want to see how that can go wrong, read The Da Vinci Code. The role of discipline is important in our spiritual journey. In Lent we fast. Fasting is a form of spiritual discipline that leads us to trust in God. Don t dismiss discipline too quickly. See if you can translate it into life today. 4th Way Saint Dominic had this fourth way of prayer that sees him remaining before the altar looking at the Cross with frequent genuflections. He had a deep confidence in the mercy of God for himself, for sinners and also for the young friars that he sent out to teach and preach. 9

10 5th Way Saint Dominic's fifth way of prayer was to stand before the altar in contemplation with the palms of his hands turned inwards. Then he would clasp his hands and raise them to his shoulders all the while in fervent prayer. Again, he taught the friars by his example of prayer. It is said of Dominic that when he was travelling on the road that he would steal away, and standing still utter a word from sacred scripture. 6th Way Saint Dominic often prayed with his arms outstretched in the form of a cross. He would often quote scripture appropriate to this posture: 'O Lord, the God of my salvation, I have cried in the day and night before you...' It is said that he practiced this method of prayer on special occasions and also this way of prayer is the one remembered when he restored the life of a young man in Rome. 10

11 7th Way Saint Dominic was often found standing erect stretching his whole body upwards with his hands joined and raised towards heaven. Often he would open his hands as though in receipt of something. The friars would hear him praying aloud saying: 'Hear O God, the voice of my prayer when I pray to you, when I lift up my hands to your holy temple.' (Psalm 27) 8th Way Saint Dominic's eighth way of prayer involved thoughtful reading of scripture or scripture commentary. He would lose himself both intellectually and emotionally in this reading, sometimes whispering questions posed in the text. When reading the Gospels, Dominic would sometimes lean forward, make the sign of the cross as if thanking God for some spiritual insight. He would often weep as if overcome with the beauty of the word of God. 11

12 9th Way Saint Dominic practiced his ninth and final way of prayer while travelling, losing himself in prayer, meditation and contemplation as he walked. Read about a form of prayer: What is essential to this form of prayer? What needs to be translated for your 21st Century secular life? How would you express this form of prayer in your life? 12

13 Key Insights Questions and suggestions from: 1st Way: When do you observe others/yourself bow? How can this gesture be intentional in your prayer? What is your body saying in the gesture of a bow? 2nd Way: For what sins and failings have you been brought low? How have you wept for God s mercy? In what way do you pray for others in need of God s mercy? 3rd Way: How does humility, mercy and self discipline serve as a way to overcome faults? 4th Way: If this is your practice, what are you thinking as you bend your knee? If this is not your practice, what circumstances in your relationship with God, bring you to your knees? 5th Way: How are you speaking to God, listening to God, contemplating what God has revealed woven into your prayer? What are the natural postures or gestures you assume in prayer? 6th Way: Try it! Really! Are you able to maintain this posture for a minute, for two? And, can you move beyond the discomfort to some kind of communion with God? 7th Way: Recall a time or circumstance when you may have lost all awareness of time and space. What prompted that experience? How would that kind of intensity to your prayer? 8th Way: Recall when recently something you read moved you to prayer. What would you require in order to bring your daily reading into conversation with God? Try this form of prayer! 9th Way: Walk. Alone. Listen to the sounds of your environment planes flying overhead, cars in distant traffic, sounds of industry. Turn your focus to the sounds of nature birds chirping, leaves fluttering in the wind, crickets. Move your attention to the sound of your footsteps, your breathing, the sensation of your heartbeat. Walk now into the deepest part of yourself and listen. Can you hear God s voice? 13

14 Recap & Prepare for Week 2 Review the different modes of prayer. Try one each day Try one that challenges you Try one that speaks to you Try one several days in a row Reflection questions: How does using my body change my experience of prayer? What forms of prayer challenge me the most? What forms of prayer speak to me the most? 14

15 Week 2 - Share Individual Option Find minutes where you won t be interrupted. (10 15 minutes) Try one form of prayer that challenges you. (10 20 minutes) Spend time reflecting on the your experience. Advice For Participating In Small Christian Communities The facilitator s role is to guide the flow of the meeting. They are not in the group to be experts. Help the facilitators by following their lead. During the discussion period, there will be multiple questions or topic for conversation. It is best to take them one at a time (i.e., let everyone share about one before moving to the next). Don t attempt to give the right answer. Just share your experience, insights, and perspective. Please stay on topic (the questions asked). Pay attention to time. Keep your answers on the shorter side. You can always add more later. Make sure everyone gets a chance to speak (i.e., give others a chance to speak before sharing a second time). It s ok to not share if you don t feel comfortable, but challenge yourself to share occasionally. Give your attention to the person speaking. Please don t start side conversations. Avoid asking follow up questions. Let people share what they want to share. It is always good to affirm others. Avoid answering other people s questions (i.e., taking on the role of expert). 15

16 How To Pray Using Lectio Divina Goal: Engage one of the focus texts at a deeper level Allow the Spirit to teach our hearts Provide fruit to lead into the discussion and sharing Steps (Should take minutes): Lectio (Reading, 2 5 minutes) A participant reads the passage seconds of silence A participant reads the passage As the passage is being read, the participants are invited to find a word, phrase, image, or idea that resonates with them. We ll call this the focus. Example: Imagine reading the Our Father text from Matthew 6. People might focus on: "Thy Kingdom Come," "Lead Us," "Our," the idea of fatherhood, an image of God's Kingdom, Do I forgive others? Etc. Meditatio (Meditate, 5 10 minutes) Stay with the focus from above. There are different ways to do this: Why does it resonate? What does it mean in my life today? Repeat it as a mantra. Imagine it. How is this connected to seeking God? Oratio (Pray, 1 2 minutes) Whatever comes up in meditation, form into a silent prayer offered to God. Contemplatio (Contemplate, 1 2 minutes) After speaking a prayer to God, sit and listen or rest in God's love. This leads into discussion and sharing. Start with insights from the prayer. Transition to sharing about seeking God. Tips There is no right way, do what works for you Embrace the silence Let God find you 16

17 Small Christian Community Process First Meeting (Suggested timing based on a 60/90 minute meeting) Welcome & Check In (5/10 minutes) Discussion (20/30 minutes) Talk about what we want to express in prayer (use the exercise on pages 6&7) Have participants discuss their thoughts on the different forms of prayer (use the question on page 14) Prayer (5/10 minutes) Pick a form a prayer for people to try (Suggestion: Way 6) Give participants a chance to find some individual space. Give people 5 10 minutes to try this form of prayer Discussion (20/30 minutes) Talk about your experience of the prayer. What hard? Easy? What worked? Didn t work? Action/Request (5/10 minutes) The practical exercise is listed on the next page Participants can share thoughts and plans Review date of the next group session Participants can request prayers from the group 17

18 Week 3 - Act Create a Prayer Space We don t have access to a private chapel like Dominic. Can we create that space in our homes? Find an area you can dedicate for prayer. Place items there that will assist you (cross, candle, pictures, Bible, prayer card, etc.). Action: Pick the form of prayer that is most challenging for you. Use it each day for a week. Record your experience after each prayer session. Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: 18

19 Week 4 - Share Preparing Continue to try different forms of prayer each day: Try one that challenges you Try one that speaks to you Try one several days in a row Week 3 exercise: Plan to share something about your Week 3 exercise If you were not able to do it, plan to share your barriers. Individual Option Find minutes where you won t be interrupted. (10 15 minutes) Try one form of prayer that challenges you. (10 20 minutes) Spend time reflecting on the your experience. Small Christian Community Process Second Meeting (Suggested timing based on a 60/90 minute meeting) Welcome & Check In (5/10 minutes) Discussion (20/30 minutes) Talk about your prayer space. Were you able to create one? What did you put there? Talk about the forms of prayer that you tried. What worked? What didn t? What did you learn? Prayer (5/10 minutes) Pick a form a prayer for people to try (Suggestion: Way 7) Give participants a chance to find some individual space. Give people 5 10 minutes to try this form of prayer Discussion (20/30 minutes) Talk about your experience of the prayer. What hard? Easy? What worked? Didn t work? Action/Request (5/10 minutes) Review date of the next Explore session Participants can request prayers from the group 19

20 Three Ways To Get Involved With Intentional Preachers 1. Pick up a booklet, and explore on your own. or 2. Attend an Explore session to learn about this month s scripture. Everyone is welcome. or 3. Check out a Small Christian Community to join with others to go deeper. ~~~ Upcoming Explore Sessions Young Adults Session*, Wed., Dec. 2, 7:30 9 PM, Parish Hall Sunday, December 6, 10:30 11:30 AM, School Basement Sunday, December 6, 4:00 5:15 PM, Aquinas Room Monday, December 7, 7:30 9 PM, Aquinas Room * The Young Adults group is a community of single and married Catholic adults in our 20s and 30s; to find out more, visit: ~~~ Connect With a Small Christian Community Contact Scott Moyer at scott@stdominics.org or come to an Explore session to get connected 20