Thursday, June 10
Perhaps you have heard me mention an on-line prayer resource I use to get my day started – known as Sacred Space – a ministry of the Irish Jesuits. Their website Daily Prayer | Sacred Space originated in the offices of the Jesuit Communication Centre in Ireland in 1999. They offer the pages to guide you through a session of prayer, in six stages, including preparing your body and mind, and culminating in reflection on a scripture passage chosen specially for each day in the calendar. These six stages for daily prayer are,
- The Presence of God
- Freedom
- Consciousness
- The Word
- Conversation
- Conclusion
Each stage is aimed at helping you get in touch with God, and God’s presence in your life. The content of these stages changes each day, but the overall format of the Daily Prayer session remains the same.
I invite you sometime today to try the following Daily Prayer for June 10, 2021. You will gradually find yourself taking more time in each of these stages of praying as you become comfortable with this guide in speaking to God.
Presence
Lord, when I am feeling lonely,
remind me of your promise,
“You are never alone,
I am with you always,
Yes, to the end of time”.
Freedom
I try to let go of concerns and worries
that may be dragging me down at this present moment.
I place any concerns I have in God’s hands
– at least for these few minutes of prayer.
Consciousness
I remind myself that I am in your presence, O Lord.
I will take refuge in your loving heart.
You are my strength in times of weakness.
You are my comforter in times of sorrow.
The Word of God
Matthew 5:20-26
For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So, when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
Conversation
Do I notice myself reacting as I pray with the Word of God?
Do I feel challenged, comforted, angry?
Imagining Jesus sitting or standing by me,
I speak out my feelings, as one trusted friend to another.
Conclusion
I thank God for these few moments we have spent alone together and for any insights I may have been given concerning the text.
Prayer
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
