"My peace I give to you."
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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First reading & silent reflection: Reflect in silence.
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LECTIO: from John 14: 23-29
Jesus [said], “Those who love me will keep my word, and my
Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is
not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
”I have said these things to
you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the
Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all
that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do
not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do
not let them be afraid.”
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.
“Jesus did not teach a specific
method of meditation or bodily discipline for quieting the imagination, memory,
and emotions. We should choose a spiritual practice adapted to our particular
temperament and natural disposition. We must also be willing to dispense with
it when called by the Spirit to surrender to [the Spirit’s] direct guidance.
The Spirit is above every method or practice. To follow [the Spirit’s]
inspiration is the sure path to perfect freedom. . . . What Jesus proposed to
his disciples as the Way is his own example: the forgiveness of everything and
everyone and the service of others in their needs. ‘Love one another as I have
loved you.’”
Thomas Keating, Open Mind, Open Heart, 132.
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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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