Prayer
What is Prayer?
“Prayer is an expression of friendship with God. Teresa of Avila says: “Contemplative prayer in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us”
(Fr Ken Barker MGL, Becoming Fire)
There is no set way to pray, and no right or wrong way. Prayer is simply about building a relationship with God. It is about loving God. It is about listening to Him, as much as it is about talking to Him. And above that, it is about just being with Him.
As with all friendships, it must be based in reality – we need to be honest about where we are at, and how we are feeling. Pray from the “here and now” rather than the “where and how I think I should be”. Remember that God knows you intimately, and loves you!
It is often helpful to find a quiet place, away from distractions. You can still yourself by closing your eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths, allowing your focus to settle deep within yourself. The Holy Spirit is there within you, and He will help you to pray.
Personal Prayer Time
We have scheduled some time each day for personal prayer. It is important to have this time, as it gives God a chance to speak to you. This will help you get the most out of the week. We ask that talking be kept to a minimum in all parts of the School during this time, to foster a prayerful atmosphere. The Chapel is always open. This is a great place to spend some quiet time with God.
Charismatic Praise
The Disciples of Jesus Community seeks to be open to the Charismatic Gifts. These Gifts are part of the Catholic tradition, and are not anything to be concerned about. During Mass and the Evening Sessions at the School you will experience a way (and volume) of giving praise to God that you may not be used to. You will hear people using Gifts such as praying in tongues and prophecy. You will also see people raising or clapping their hands, and hear them singing or exclaiming praise to God. If you are uneasy about joining in, just pray in whatever way you feel comfortable. Throughout this week, you will learn more about the Charismatic Gifts. If you have any questions, please ask your Group Leader.
Further questions may be directed to Costandi Bastoli (m: 0410 475 723) or the Missionaries of God’s Love.
More information about Charismatic Praise and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Eucharistic Adoration
Jesus makes Himself present to us in the Blessed Sacrament. Eucharistic adoration is the recognition and honouring of this special presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. There will be time for adoration every morning in the Chapel. It is optional, but highly recommended.
There is also a time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament during most of the Evening Sessions.
Prayer of the Church
(The Divine Office)
The Divine Office is part of the Church’s liturgy, and is prayed by the Church throughout the world.
During the School, Morning Prayer will be chanted in the Chapel before breakfast, and Night Prayer will be chanted in the Chapel some evenings before Lights Out (check timetable). You are invited to join in this prayer that is said continuously across the globe.
Rosary
Rosary will be prayed at Our Lady’s statue in the Chapel each day at 2.45pm, and you are welcome to attend. There is a link to how to pray the Rosary below.
Common Prayers
If you get stuck in prayer or you’re new to it, you may like to try some of these common prayers.
The Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Our Father
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, and thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Rosary
If you would like to learn how to pray this beautiful prayer, The Rosary, please see this article
How can I seek prayer ministry or help?
1. Pastoral Care Team chat
The Pastoral Care Team are there for you to approach for a chat about whatever it is that’s on your mind. It is a one-to-one talk with a mature brother or sister in the Lord who will know where to direct you if you need assistance.
How? By appointment - approach anyone with a red marked name tag and let them know you’d like to talk. Or ask your sharing group leader to introduce you to a pastoral care team member. Easy!
2. Prayer Teams at the evening meetings
These are two people who will pray a brief prayer with you of about 5-10 mins according to the theme of the night.
How? These will be announced during the evening PAC sessions and if you want prayer you can go up and join the queue to see a prayer team. Sweet!
3. Pastoral Care Prayer Teams
An opportunity for longer prayer ministry by qualified prayer ministers may be available.
How? By appointment - approach anyone with a red marking on their name tag to line up a time. No worries!
4. Sacrament of Reconciliation
The sacrament of God’s mercy and forgiveness (sometimes called Confession) administered by a priest is one of the great blessings of the Summer School week.
How? There is an evening of Reconciliation on Tuesday night where the sacrament will be available, however there is the opportunity to make an appointment with one of the priests at any time throughout the week. Approach a Catholic priest yourself, or ask your sharing group leader or a pastoral care team member to direct you to one of the priests. Done!