Prayer
Candelabra Prayer
A suggestion from a Marins Workshop
A suggested form of shared prayer: the Candelabra
Prayer.
Prepare a Sacred Place: A space where you will meet: cloth, flowers, candles. Perhaps set a
table with the symbols which represent the theme of the readings.
Step 1: Light first candle.
SILENCE Deep moments when I put myself and my
day, my reality, before God and this small community. I remind myself that God is
in our midst. Quietly consider what has been happening in my life, in the
church community, in the world.
Step 2: Light second candle. Read the SCRIPTURE slowly, perhaps three times,
using different translations. Listen to the word and phrase which most
resonates in my mind and heart.
Step 3: Light third candle.
ECHO Each person as they feel moved, repeats a
word, or a phrase. No explanations or discussions at this stage. Simply listen
to what has resonated in the minds and hearts of the others in the group.
Step 4: Light fourth candle.
SHARING Very important. We share what we think
God is saying to us in this moment, in this place. A collective discernment:
all listening to the Spirit of God. We might ask ourselves: What is the Word
asking of us through this reading? What is God calling us to be? to do? as individuals?
as church community?
Step 5 Light fifth Candle
PRAYER AND COMMITMENT A community prayer. It could be of thanks for what we
have received, or a prayer for courage if we feel we are being directed in a
certain way, or for a particular need or commitment. It might be offering
oneself to God for a particular activity. Perhaps one person may feel a need to
ask for God’s forgiveness or help or healing? After a prayer has been voiced
the group with respond in some way:
“Thank you Lord” or “Lord,
hear our prayer”.
The task of our Reign of God theme
here is to look at the Word of God
and place it within our experience. People share what they perceive God to be
saying. Choose a biblical text which is relevant to the time and place – a
special time in the liturgical year, a bereavement, a particular need in this
community, or perhaps simply use the Sunday readings in the Lectionary.