"The peace of God ... will guard your hearts..."
We invite you to a few minutes of silence before we begin our prayer time together.
Take a deep breath and breathe in the breath of God, knowing by faith that God breathes into us the breath of life.
CONTEMPLATIVE / SILENT PRAYER
Our Centering Prayer sit is 20 - 30 minutes sounded by the chime/chant. At the end of the Prayer sit, we will linger in silence a few minutes, then follow by praying together the Our Father.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
LECTIO DIVINA: Listening to the Word of God with the ears of our heart [See Chopping Wood (or Carrots) Under the Gaze of God for a discussion of Lectio Divina].
First reading & silent reflection: Reflect in silence.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
LECTIO: Philippians 4:6-9. Have no anxiety at all, but in
everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests
known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard
your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,
think about these things. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Second reading & reflection: What word or phrase catches your attention? Share or pass.
Third reading & reflection: How does this word or phrase touch your life? Share or pass.
Fourth and last reading & silent reflection: How is God inviting you to grow? We will reflect in silence for a few moments before we move from Lectio Prayer to the teaching by Father Keating.
Teaching: The practice of Centering Prayer...might be called the
first step on the ladder of Contemplative Prayer. As a rule, we do not know
when our prayer becomes contemplation in the strict sense. We only know that we
are moving in this direction through our practice, and that the Spirit is
moving toward us.....As our practice becomes more habitual, the action of the
Spirit's gifts of wisdom and understanding become more powerful and gradually
take over our prayer, enabling us to rest habitually in the presence of God.
This experience is not necessarily felt during prayer, but is experienced in
its effects on daily life. Waiting on God in the practice of Centering Prayer
strengthens our capacity for interior silence and makes us sensitive to the
delicate movements of the Spirit in daily life that lead to purification and
holiness. Intimacy with God, Father Thomas Keating.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
We now take some time to share our thoughts and reflections on our own spiritual journey and our prayer practice. Followed by brief prayers of intercession. Share or pass.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Go in the name of Christ Jesus to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God!
------------------------------
[This is an adapted format courtesy of Martha Johnston, Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington, DC]
No comments:
Post a Comment