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Praying with St Therese
This prayer initiative has begun in the Parish of Morley, WA, as
we try to prepare ourselves for the coming of the relics of St.
Therese on the 31st Jan 2002.
This is a simple form of prayer: Everyone
can do it.
Jesus himself prayed in this way and so did Therese.
It can be done alone or in a small group.
The format of the prayer is:
1. Some form of Introduction or "Getting Ready".
2. The Reading of a passage from Therese's writings.
This should be read a few times. It should be read slowly and listened
to prayerfully. Normally when we read, we are looking for information.
In this reading we are listening for something to feed our spirit;
a word from God.
3. The questions provided may be used to Reflect on the passage
and to relate it to relate it to our lives. In a small group they
can be the basis for sharing.
This sharing should not be "too much". It allows a person
to express briefly something God has inspired in them through their
reflection. This expression should lead them and the others in the
group to prayer. Discussion is to be avoided, as it would destroy
the atmosphere of prayer.
4. The reading and reflection lead us to the point where we want
to respond. We want to thank Him, to praise Him, to ask Him for
something .. We have now begun, perhaps unconsciously, to pray.
Prayer is simply listening to God and speaking to him in response.
5. Sometimes this prayer can become silent and wordless as the psalm
says: as a child has rest in its mother's arms, even so my soul.
This is the sweetest fruit of prayer, which will not always be given
but is to be savoured when it is.
6. The time frame of the prayer can be adapted to particular circumstances.
However by it's nature it would probably require 20 minutes at a
minimum and with a group it could easily extend to an hour.
7. When it is in a group setting it is advisable to appoint someone
to lead.
The prayer sheet provided helps you to get started. It contains:
* Some simple advice on how to start.
* The reading from St. Therese and scripture passage.
* Some Questions to help reflection, if needed.
* A final set prayer for the success of the coming of the Relics
to Australia.
* A quote from Therese to carry through the week.
[Back to the Prayer sheet]
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