Ways to Pray Year B Week 21 2024

Sunday 7 July, fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sometimes we find it hard to recognise a prophet and accept their message. This was the same for Jesus. He still continued on his mission, though amazed at people’s lack of faith.

We Pray-

God of compassion, you sent us Jesus, your Son, so that in our weakness we can be made strong in faith. Hear our prayers and open our eyes that we may recognise your message. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Monday 8 July

Preparing the Sacred Space for a new term.

Set up the prayer space to reflect the season of Ordinary Time which can be called the Season of Growth (video). The liturgical colour is green. Involve students in designing and creating a new and refreshed sacred space. Have the students be intentional in this creation to reflect a meaningful and purposeful.
Plan a variety of prayer experiences for the term. Consider prayers that will have a teaching focus this term and prayers that will be revisited and retaught. Refer to APPENDIX A Explicit Teaching about Prayer, and other prayer resources from SPIRE.

Plan times to create variety in your daily prayer routines. Look for alternative possible places (chapel, prayer room, church, garden, playground) for students to pray. 

Tuesday 9 July

Pray The Examen

Overview

The Prayer of Examen is a form of prayer that was developed by Ignatius of Loyola in the 15th Century. Saint Ignatius was the founder of the Jesuit order of priests (also known as the Society of Jesus). Ignatius named the Examen as the central exercise of Ignatian spirituality which is to help find God in all things.

Through the Examen we come to know God’s love for us more deeply, gradually becoming more aware of God’s presence in everything. The Examen provides a mirror which reflects God’s active presence in our everyday lives.

The Examen is explicitly taught in Year 6 Religion Curriculum P-12, Archdiocese of Brisbane, (CLPS17)

How to pray the Examen

1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Teaching the Examen to young children

The picture story book I grow in Grandad's garden, by Brian Andrew can be used to teach the Examen to young children. In the picture story book, the 4 Stop Spots correspond to the stages of the Examen.

Wednesday 10 July

A Prayer for Peace

Prepare students by bringing them into stillness.
Feet on the ground, eyes closed or focused on an object, sitting upright and concentrating on breathing.

Be at peace for as long as the students are able.

We Pray: Come into our hearts and minds God of love, rest in us so that we may be at peace and share this peace with others. May our words and actions reflect the deep peace that your Son taught us. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Share a sign of peace.

Thursday 11 July, St Benedict

St. Benedict, sublime model of all virtues, pure vessel of God's grace! Turn your loving gaze toward me. I ask that you intercede for me and ask God's protection against all that is not life-giving. Inspire me to imitate Jesus in all things.

Friday 12July

Lectio Divina

Use this Scripture passage and an image of a door to assist students to reflect on the passage.

Be still and calm, focus on your breath.

Read the Scripture.

Listen to the Scripture once more.

Which word or phrase speaks to your heart? Stay with the word or phrase.

Pray with the word or phrase in silence or with quiet music playing. Rest in God’s presence.

Ask God to hear the prayers of all gathered today in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Read more about Lectio Divina here- Lectio Divina (bne.catholic.edu.au)