RSVP 1.6.2008

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH

RSVP:  Ritual, Scripture, Verse, and Prayer

 

An Invitation to Pray with the Scriptures:

 

RSVP offers a simple prayer and sharing format outlined below.  This can be done with others or alone.

 

These are suggestions only, and should be amended to fit the group and the time allowed.

Obviously if children are present, a candle may not be what is passed as part of the sharing.

 

Anyone can lead. Leadership can rotate and should not be seen as someone who “knows” more than others.  The leader simply initiates the prayer for all.

 

RITUAL:   Begin by lighting a candle.

The candle is symbolic of the light of Christ.  When we gather, Jesus himself is among us, because he said: “Where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them.”  (Matt 18:20).  

 

Take a quiet moment to let go of the demands of the day, and begin to focus your heart on prayer.

 

SCRIPTURE:

The scripture is read slowly three times by the leader with periods of silence between readings.  This is an ancient form of prayer known as Lectio Divina, or sacred reading. 

The first reading merely gives the hearer a chance to hear the words. 

The listener, in prayer, asks:  What do these words say? 

The second reading is for deeper understanding. 

The listener, in prayer, asks:  What is God saying to me? 

The third reading is to discern action.

                        The listener, in prayer asks:  Is there an action God is calling me to take?

Between each reading, allow for some moments of silence - so there can be time for reflection.

 

Reflecting and sharing the VERSE of scripture that relates to our life:

Sharing our reflection gives voice to our prayer and not only helps us articulate our faith, but helps others as well.  The questions offered are suggestions only; if they speak to you, welcome them, if not, share your own reflections.  It is not necessary to answer every question.  They are intended to assist the reflection process only, not to assume answers or make comparisons. 

 

Steps for sharing:       1. The first person to share takes the candle and holds it in their hands. 

2.  Share only what you feel comfortable sharing. 

It is always acceptable to “pass.” 

3.  Listen with prayerful respect to others, and make no comments

 nor ask questions as others are sharing. 

4.      When the person sharing is finished, they will place the candle back

 in the center of the table so the next person may take it as they share.

 

PRAYER:

The group may ask all to pray in intercession or in thanksgiving for experiences or events that are happening in our lives:

. . . . . We pray to the Lord.                              All:  Lord, hear our prayer.

 

 

Closing Prayer:                      Our Father

 

Week of January 1 – 6, 2008 The Epiphany of The Lord

 

RITUAL:   Light a candle.  

Leader:  In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.   

All:  And also with you.

 

SCRIPTURE:

Leader:  A reading from the Gospel according to Matt (2:1-12)

 

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

VERSE:  Reflection and Sharing:

Leader:      The following questions are suggestions only

 

1.      Do I search for Jesus in the people that I meet each day?

 

2.      What treasures of my own to I bring before Jesus, what treasures do I withhold?

 

3.      When have I experienced Jesus in my life with overwhelming joy and amazement?

 

These are suggestions only; please share your reflections as they come to you from the sacred Word.

 

PRAYER:

Leader:   We ask you, now, for any prayers of intercession or thanksgiving for events and experiences that are happening in your life for which you want the group to pray.

                       

. . . . . We pray to the Lord.     

 

All:  Lord, hear our prayer.

 

Closing Prayer:                      Our Father

 

 

 

Other Readings for This Sunday:

First Reading:              Isa 60:1-6

 

Responsorial Psalm:      72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

 

Second Reading:           Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6