FORMATION
FORMATION 2003
THEME NO. 1
“Lectio Divina and Prayer”
Call to Prayer
Leader:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All:
Amen.
Opening Prayer
Leader:
Blessed are you Lord God of all creation, for you care for us with steadfast love and guide us through your Word.
All:
Strengthen us, O gracious God, now and always, That through our reflection on your Word, We may learn your way ever more clearly And witness to your love through care of your people And praise of your Holy Name. Blessed are you, God, forever. Amen.
Setting the Scene: Lectio Divina and Scripture
Spend a few moments reflecting quietly on the following words of Pope John Paul II.
The Church forcefully and specially exhorts all the Christian faithful to learn the 'surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ' (Phil 3:8 ) by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures. Let them remember, however, that prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that a dialogue takes place between God and the reader. The word of God in the Old and New Testament is fundamental for all who believe in Christ, and it is the inexhaustible wellspring of evangelization. Acquaintance with the Scriptures is required of all the faithful ... they are to be encouraged to engage in lectio divina, that quiet and prayerful meditation on the Scripture that allows the word of God to speak to the human heart.
John Paul II, Ecclesia in Oceania #38
Word of God
The Gospel according to Mark 11: 20—25
The Word of God is now read aloud slowly and prayerfully
"And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
"When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
"Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you;
but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
For the next five minutes silently read and reflect on the scripture text. Underline what you consider to be key words and/or phrases for you.
The Sharing
Take 10 minutes now to share your insights from the reading of the Word of God.
Closing Prayer
Leader:
Let us pray.
All:
Gracious God, in this time of prayer and reflection on your Word,
We have been reminded of how we are called to serve you and your people through prayer and love of the Scriptures. Strengthen us in our efforts to remain faithful to your purpose in our lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever. Amen.
You are encouraged to continue the practice of ‘Lectio Divina’ in the weeks between meetings. For your reflection, further Scripture texts relating to the Theme of Prayer are included here.
Psalm 32: 1-11; Luke 6: 12-19; Luke 22: 39-46; Mark 11: 20-25;
Acts 1: 6-14; Ephesians 6: 12-18; Philippians 4: 4-9; 1 Timothy 4: 4-10.
