"There will be one flock, one shepherd."
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: John 10: 11-18. “I am the good shepherd. I know
my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.
And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to
this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there
will be one flock, one shepherd.”
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: Once we begin the spiritual
journey, there is no longer merely private prayer. Our prayer becomes a
participation in the groanings of the Spirit for all the intentions and needs
of the human family. This does not mean that we do not pray for our loved ones
at other times. But it does mean that during the periods of Centering Prayer we
enter into a sense of oneness with everyone else who is experiencing grace, and
with the whole human family. At times we may actually feel this bonding. This
bonding is the heart and soul of a Christian community. Thomas Keating, Intimacy with God.
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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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