"Blessed are the meek..."
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.
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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.
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LECTIO: Mathew 5:1-12a When Jesus saw the crowds, he went
up the mountain....and began to teach them: "Blessed are the poor in
spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they
will inherit the earth. Blessed are the merciful, for they will show mercy.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Rejoice
and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."
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 fourth Fruit of the Spirit is Meekness (kindness).
Meekness is freedom from the energy of hostility, hatred, or outbursts of
anger. The growth of meekness opens us to the continual awareness of God's
presence and the acceptance of everyone with their limitations. One does not
approve of the harmful things that others may do, but one accepts each person
as they are and is ready to help whenever possible---but without trying to
change them. One is even content with one's inability to change oneself as one
would like while continuing to do what one can to impove, relying more and more
upon God and less and less on one's own efforts. Fruits and Gifts
of the Spirit, Father Thomas Keating.
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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.
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Go in the name of Christ Jesus to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God!
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[This is an adapted format courtesy of Martha Johnston, Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington, DC]
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