Come aside….

This is the invitation of Jesus Christ to each one of us – to come aside and rest awhile so that we might enjoy the fullness that life offers. Sometimes, in the busyness of our every day, we can lose sight of the gift of life given to each of us. Taking some time to pray offers us a space in which we can rest and encounter anew God’s dream for us, for the world.

Useful Prayer Sites

Sacred Space – Ignatian prayer on the Scripture readings of the day

Christian Meditation – Prayer of silence and stillness

Praying with Scripture – Ignatian spirituality

Praying the Word – How to do Lectio Divina

Practice of Gratitude – Br. David’s website on the prayer of gratitude and appreciation

 

Would you like to light a candle and say a prayer?
Many of you at home are in the habit of lighting candles in the church. The small lit candle reminds us of our prayer intention for a loved family member, or a petition for someone who is sick or going through a difficult time. The candle reminds us of Jesus being the light of the world, and the light that brings hope and courage to our lives. So during these days, you might like to light a candle at home for your prayer intentions….and when you see the light, you are reminded to pray once again for your loved one.

You can also light a candle online, and this may appeal to children. Grow in Love is the primary school faith programme. During this pandemic, the website has been opened up for families. if you would like to say a prayer and light a candle, check out growinlove. The login email, use trial@growinlove.ie and the password is growinlove. You can light a candle virtually, read the prayers of others and submit your own prayer. .

 

Pause/silence

During times of prayer, we need to use silence and pauses, to enable us to hear what has been said, to allow the words of our prayer to find an echo in our hearts and to allow us hear God and be touched by God.

Pray

Perhaps your experience of prayer has been of the rosary, prayer books, novenas….or maybe it has been one of silence, quiet, hopeful yearnings. Prayer can also happen in quiet moments, using gentle reflections, common prayers, and scripture passages. Take your time to pray with them.

Time and pace

Take your time with prayer – God is not in a rush, so let’s pause and slow down.

Preparation

The time you put into being prepared and organised for prayer, will make it easier for you to enter into the time of prayer and also allow it to be more enriching for you. Use prayers you know…use prayers, reflections written by others….but remember these are just a help – make your own of them, and trust the Holy Spirit.

Practice

For many of us, opening up to a new way of prayer can be a challenging experience. And like all new things, it takes time to get used to. So practice for all of us will ease the way!