"I was hungry, and you gave me food..."
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: Matthew 25:31-36. Jesus said to His disciples: "Come,
you are blessed of My Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world: For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty
and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you cared for
me./Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of the brothers
and sisters of mine, you did for me."
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: Do I have to wait until
I have been completely purified before I can begin to serve others or practice
the corporal works of mercy?" To this Jesus replies, "I was
hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a
stranger and you welcomed me." In light of these words, the exercise
of compassion does not sound like a big deal. It could mean giving someone a
cup of water, a smile, or showing concern to someone suffering a loss. We do
not have to wait until we can speak at the United Nations or go to Moscow for a
summit conference. Somebody is in need right next door, in our family, at work,
on the bus--everywhere we turn. Invitation to
Love, 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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