Prayer and Stewardship
The Eucharistic Liturgy stands at the center of our Catholic faith. The Seniors’ group gathers for a retreat each Lent for a day-long retreat at the Pallottine Renewal Center in north St. Louis County. A guest speaker is invited to offer words of wisdom during the morning hours, and Mass is celebrated later. A stewardship prayer is added to the prayers of intention for every Sunday liturgy at OLHC.
Mystery of the Shared Meal
After the resurrection, the earliest followers of Jesus became even more active in their faith. These disciples often broke bread together in imitation of Jesus who was their teacher in every way before his death. The Gospels record that the disciples had experienced the power of God’s kingdom in the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, and later during the last supper when Jesus shared his last meal with them is a deeply spiritual and intimate way: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body’” (Matthew 26). Still, after Jesus had risen, Jesus eat with them in a similar manner: “Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’” . . . “They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead” (John 21). It should be no secret where and how the early followers of Jesus grew in loving trust of their savior. Jesus’ words, actions, and gestures unveil God’s good favor toward us. At the table of the Lord, we learn to share.
A Prayer Life
We are likely to find it difficult to be a good steward without a prayer life. There are Gospel passages which reveal the importance of daily prayer in Jesus’ life. The most well known is when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemene. At another moment, the disciples asked Jesus how they should pray, and Jesus responded by reciting the Lord’s prayer. Jesus sometimes liked to pray alone in a secluded place and bring just a few disciples with him. Sometimes Jesus would pray before a healing miracle. Jesus prayed while he died on the Cross.
Liturgy of the Hours
The Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Office is a collection of official Church prayers for morning, daytime, evening, and night. The Divine Office is an extension of the Eucharistic Liturgy with the idea that our lives are graced by God at every moment of the day. Commonly known as the priest’s daily prayerbook, the liturgical reform of the Council of Vatican II has restored the Divine Office to its original purpose, the prayer of the entire church. The readings are drawn from Sacred Scripture, accompanied by psalms, prayers of intercession, prayers and hymns steeped in the inspired language of Scripture.
Meditation, Contemplation, and Devotional Life
There is a long tradition of spiritual masters which values meditation as another avenue toward genuine prayer and union with God. There are various types and techniques of meditation to help focus the mind on the mystery of Christ, such as the rosary, stations of the cross, and lectio divina (reflections on Scripture words and passages). Meditation helps to internalize our faith by engaging the imagination, emotional life, and other deeper desires where the core self is nurtured, healed, and made whole. Contemplation is the “gaze of faith” (CCC 2559). Some spiritual masters speak of contemplation as a higher level of knowing and loving God, a state of being in union with Christ. The respectable Trappist Monk, Thomas Merton, spoke of contemplation as a gift that we receive from God and one in which we cannot achieve on our own human ability. Merton believes that, at best, all we can do is ask the Lord for the gift and be grateful.
Saintly Prayer
The Saints of God all have prayer in common as their foundation of faith. St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower says, “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” The Universal Catechism of the Church devotes its final section Part IV to prayer. Jesus is our model of prayer as he was often seen praying and taught his disciples how to pray. Jesus would go away to secluded places to be alone in prayer with Our Father. He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before his passion and while he hung on the Cross. St. Paul speaks of prayer as the Holy Spirit groaning within us. The late Saint Pope John Paul II, often groaned while praying and meditating. Jesus battled the tempter while at prayer during his 40 days in the desert. We often “do not know how to pray as we ought” (Romans 23). The Catechism teaches us that “. . . the battle of prayer is that of humble, trusting, and persevering love” (CCC 2098).
Short Peace Prayers for Various Occasions
Simple prayers upon rising and falling to sleep, as well as saying grace before every meal can do much to put us at peace with the Lord. Here is one we may know from childhood: Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom his love commits me here, ever this night be at my side to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen”
As the year 2021 is dedicated to St. Joseph, here is a prayer to him when we or someone we know is visiting the hospital: Dear St. Joseph, you contributed to the sense of calm and peace for Mary and Jesus in your home, help us children of faith ______________, in this time of need during our stay at the hospital.
Prayer of St. Joseph (2021 is the year dedicated to St. Joseph)
Hail, guardian of the Redeemer. Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you, God entrusted his only Son. In you, Mary placed her trust. With you, Christ became more. Blessed Joseph, to us, too, show yourself as a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen
During the Covid19 pandemic: Lord Jesus, son of David, may you reach out with your healing hand to touch your afflicted servant _______________. We trust in your healing power which is manifested to the whole world as your precious blood flows from the cross of salvation.
Stewardship Prayer
Lord, help me to be generous and to ask for nothing in return as I offer myself for the many who stand in need. Thank you Lord, for their is no peace like yours.
Prayer Opportunities at OLHC on Zoom
Liturgy of Exposition and Benediction: Every Tuesday immediately following morning Mass, you may join the holy hour from 8:30 — 9:30 am.
Rosary: Every Wednesday at 6:00 pm., you may join other parishioners, other loved ones, and/or neighbors to pray the Rosary together.
Novena, Stations of the Cross, and Easter Meditations: You may join us in special devotions and major liturgical moments throughout the year, especially during Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter.
Liturgy of the Hours: You may join in Night Prayer at 7:00 pm. on Sunday.
