An Outline for Prayer & Reflection

at the beginning of a group meeting

Adapt this prayer and reflection according to the time available.

Scriptural Background for the one(s) preparing the prayer and reflection.

The Letter to the Hebrews

It seems that the Letter to the Hebrews was written by some unknown author who wanted to provide encouragement and reassurance for a Christian community made up of Jewish people who formerly had been very much involved in the Jewish religion. Some of those people might well have been Jewish priests before they became Christians.

In the Christian community of the first century all were lay people, including the former Jewish priests. They were conscious of there being only one priest – Jesus himself, who continues to be present with them. Members of the community offered service (ministered) in various ways. Some would have been “ordained” to lead the Eucharist.

This outlook and faith and way of organization was a big change for Jewish people and the author of the Letter to the Hebrews seeks to reassure them in their new faith.

Much of the Letter to the Hebrews is not easily understood by us Australian Catholics in the year 2002: many of the ideas relating to old Jewish practices and convictions and texts are not readily relevant to our situation. Nevertheless we can still find the Letter of benefit to us; at least we can find in it brief statements of wisdom and insight which can continue to guide and inspire us. One such short statement is the text (Hebrews 4:12-13) chosen for the outline of prayer and reflection as given below.

Prayer & Reflection

Leader: In silence let us prepare our minds and hearts to absorb and respect God’s

Living Light and Word.

Light a candle

Period of silence - three minutes

The author of the Letter to the Hebrews was writing for a community of Jewish people who had come to faith in Jesus as the Messiah and Lord. But it seems that at the time of writing the community had lost something of its initial enthusiasm and conviction and were yearning for the good old days when priests conducted religious rituals, offered sacrifices and told the people what to do. The author reminds the community that it is not the old rituals but the Word of God which/who gives us life and inspiration and discernment and courage.

Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13

“The Word of God is something alive and active: it cuts like any double-edged sword but more finely: it can slip through the place where the soul is divided from the spirit, or joints from the marrow; it can judge the secret emotions and thoughts. No created thing can hide from him. everything is uncovered and open to the eyes of the One to whom we must give account of ourselves.”

Brief time for silent reflection

The reading in context

One who has prepared the prayer might re-present the message of the reading as it might have been received by the original community for whom it was written. Describe some characteristics of the community and the impact this part of the document might have had. (This way of dealing with the scripture was dramatised very effectively at the Marins Workshops).

Shared Reflections on the scripture text The following questions might prompt some shared

reflections.

In our days are there indications of a lack of enthusiasm and conviction in sections of the church community? Do we ourselves suffer in a similar way?

It seems that in a time of stress or disappointment the community for whom the Letter to the Hebrews was written was inclined to hanker after the security and grand rituals of the good old days. Do some of us experience similar temptations?

According to the author for the Letter to the Hebrews, from what Source are we to draw strength and faith and hope?

Depending on how this prayer experience is being organised, perhaps include here another period of silence.

Introduction to shared prayer-intentions

After an appropriate time for the exchange of reflections, perhaps prompted by the questions above, allow a brief period for prayerful thought for members to think of a one sentence statement in answer to the following question: What would you like the church community to be like in 10 years time? Each statement could be regarded as an intention for community prayer. So after each statement allow a brief period of prayerful silence. (Experience shows that people have little difficulty in making these statements when the question is put in the way indicated above).

Leader Final Prayer

In view of the one-sentence statements given in the sharing indicated above, the leader expresses a prayer of hope and trust in the Spirit of Jesus who makes it possible, even now, to live according to the Will and promptings of God, cheerfully and confidently.

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