"Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words."
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...
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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.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. . . .
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
The one who gave peace to the apostles when they were together can give peace to the soul. Divine words take action in the soul and work toward stripping her of worldly attachments, leaving her in a state of pure spirit – uncreated spirit – in heavenly union.
One thing that is certain is that when we empty ourselves of all that is creature, detaching ourselves for love of the Creator, the same God will fill our souls with himself. And so one day, while Jesus was praying somewhere for his disciples– I’m not sure where – he declared that they were one with the Father and with him. What greater love can there be than this? We are all included here. Our Beloved went on the say, “I ask not for my disciples alone but for all beings.”And then he said, “ I am in them.”
LECTIO: from Romans 8: 22-27
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
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 Divina to Centering/Silent Prayer.
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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.
Holy One beyond all names
Eternal Wellspring
May love rise in us again today
With food for every table
Shelter for every family
And reverence for every life.
Forgive us our failings in love
And free us from all falseness
That the light of our souls may shine
And the strength of our spirits endure
For Earth and all its people
This day, tonight, and forever.
Amen
May love rise in us again today
With food for every table
Shelter for every family
And reverence for every life.
Forgive us our failings in love
And free us from all falseness
That the light of our souls may shine
And the strength of our spirits endure
For Earth and all its people
This day, tonight, and forever.
Amen
Teaching / Reflection:
The one who gave peace to the apostles when they were together can give peace to the soul. Divine words take action in the soul and work toward stripping her of worldly attachments, leaving her in a state of pure spirit – uncreated spirit – in heavenly union.
One thing that is certain is that when we empty ourselves of all that is creature, detaching ourselves for love of the Creator, the same God will fill our souls with himself. And so one day, while Jesus was praying somewhere for his disciples– I’m not sure where – he declared that they were one with the Father and with him. What greater love can there be than this? We are all included here. Our Beloved went on the say, “I ask not for my disciples alone but for all beings.”And then he said, “ I am in them.”
~Teresa of Avila, The Interior Castle, p. 271-72. Translated by Mirabai Starr.
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We now take some time to share our thoughts and reflections on our own spiritual journey and our prayer practice. This may be 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 Richard and Linda Hall, Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington, DC]
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