"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth."
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.
Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also....
“No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
There is a sun at the soul’s center from which emanates a supernatural light that is transmitted to the faculties. The soul does not move from her center or lose her equanimity.
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 to say, “I ask not for my disciples alone but for all beings.” And then he said, “ I am in them.”
LECTIO: from Matthew 6: 19-24
“No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
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.
Celtic Version of the Lord’s Prayer – John Philip Newell
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,
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:
There is a sun at the soul’s center from which emanates a supernatural light that is transmitted to the faculties. The soul does not move from her center or lose her equanimity.
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 to 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, translated by Mirabai Starr, 271-72..
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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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