"For God, all things are possible."
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: Mark 10: 17-31.
Then Jesus looked around and
said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter
the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus
said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It
is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is
rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were greatly astounded and said to one
another, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals
it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”
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 love of God is so powerful
that no one can just sit on it. It is bound to express itself. We have to think
not just of praying together but how we can reach out and support each other in
helping those in prison, the homeless, the hungry, the oppressed, everyone in
need. Above all, direct attention to the most unbearable problem in the world
today, which is the destitution of the poor. Jesus said, “The poor you will
always have with you.” But destitution is something else. That is our
responsibility. It is not God’s will. . . . The God in us is calling us to
serve the God in others.” Thomas Keating, The Better Part, 127-28.
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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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