Antiphonal prayers

Overview

This page contains information about how to write antiphonal prayers as well as some examples.

Antiphonal prayers are responses either spoken or sung or chanted.

They are commonly found in the liturgy. Some examples are:

• the response for the Penitential Act (Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy)
• the Responsorial Psalm (a sung line from the Psalm of the day e.g. Be with me Lord when I am in trouble)
• the Prayers of the Faithful (Lord hear our prayer).
• the Litany (pray for us)

Using antiphons while praying with scripture

Antiphonal responses can be used when praying with scripture to enhance understanding and engagement with the text . This type of scriptural prayer works particularly well for school community prayer: in class, whole school prayer rituals and in liturgical celebrations. Antiphonal responses can encourage more active and conscious participation in prayer and are very suitable for Masses with Children.

Key dimensions to antiphonal prayer are:

• It is communal prayer
• It allows for conscious and active participation from those praying
• It keeps the group focused on the meaning of the text
• It allows for variety in responses

Antiphons can be written to focus on the needs of the group praying:

• Prayers for rain – Response: We ask for lifegiving rain.
• Sorry prayers – Response: God we ask your forgiveness.
• Good times –Response: Loving God we thank you and praise you.
• Times of unrest – Response: In unity, we pray for peace in our world.

How to prepare antiphonal prayers:

• Choose a theme, e.g. victims of drought
• Decide on an appropriate response, e.g. Lord send us rain
• Display the response on PowerPoint or large card
• Write the petitions. Invite students to write prayers of petition.
• Pray the prayers

Example of an antiphonal prayer:

RESPONSE: LORD SEND US RAIN.

We pray to God for the gift of rain…….Lord send us rain

We pray to God for all the men and women who grow crops and care for animals that produce food…..Lord send us rain

We pray to God for all children who live in drought areas who may not have basic needs being met at this time…. Lord send us rain

We pray for all who suffer depression and anxiety because they have lost hope…Lord send us rain

We pray for ourselves that we might have a compassionate heart towards the people in the drought areas and the generosity to support any efforts to support them…Lord send us rain

We pray for the animals that suffer and die in drought conditions….Lord send us rain.

We pray for the dry land that it may soon receive life giving rain…..Lord send us rain