Catholic Church Serving West Seattle Washington
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
PARISH
RSVP:
Ritual, Scripture,
Verse,
and Prayer
An Invitation to Pray with the
Scriptures
Guidelines and suggested Format
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 28 - February 3, 2008; Fourth
Week in Ordinary Time.
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 Matthew. (Matt. 5: 1-12)
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
VERSE: Reflection and Sharing:
Leader: The following questions are suggestions only:
1. As I hear the Beatitudes, today, I sense Jesus is calling me to….
2. If our parish fully lived these Beatitudes, what would be different?
3. My ministry incarnates Jesus’ message of blessedness to the disadvantaged when I….
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
First
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10; Alleluia
Second
