The Prayer of The Faithful

During Mass, and after the Readings and Homily of the day, we have the citing of all of the Nicene Creed.  Next comes what is called the Prayer of the Faithful.

This consist of a series of prayer, typically four to five such prayers with a closing of each by the Prayer Leader saying words to the effect of “We pray to the Lord”, and the congregation responds “Lord, hear our prayer.”

Notice no “s” in the congregation response there…  This is one prayer from all of us, at one time, even when we are asked to add our private intentions, again, it is a singular prayer not multiple prayers (see the s in that last one?) from multiple people.

In responds “Lord, hear our prayers” you are taking yourself out of the group prayer and sending up/or implying your own prayer(s).  While sending up your own prayers is good, at this point in Mass, it is ONE PRAYER from the whole Church.

I do think this post may lead to an in depth discussion of the GIRM (General Instruction of the Roman Missal) in the very near future.

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Lent is HERE!

As we come fully into Lent, I would like to remind everyone to pray often!  One of the best sacrifices you can do is to give up some of your play time to prayer time!  Bi-directional conversation with God, through prayer and reading the Bible (and listening to God’s Words via the Bible and the world), is key to a good relationship with God, which leads to His saving Graces!

As you pray, remember this time of suffering by our Lord, Jesus Christ, and thank Him for all he has done for you!

In Christ

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During my RCIA Studies…

During my RCIA studies, I was also involved in a Catholic Scripture Studies program at St. Elizabeth’s that was very enlightening and educative on one Book in the Bible at a time.  This program, we did the Book of Matthew, was outstanding and helped me to better study the Bible.

I was also involved in a couple of prayer retreats, to better learn how to pray in various ways.  This further built my foundation in my new spiritual home.

Near the end of my preparation for Easter, St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Men Emmaus Group was to hold a three night, two and a half day Emmaus Retreat.  This is a retreat in which the new people hear the stories of other Christian men and how they found the Lord in their life.  It is very touching and pulls you even closer to God with each story.  There are also sessions where you bring out your story as it is unfolding, you learn more about the Bible, the Church, and through your listening to others, more about you.  During the whole time, there are other Emmaus “Graduates” praying in support for you and for your growth in the faith.  This is an event I would recommend all Catholics participate in, male or female!

Easter nears!

In Christ!

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