Breakthrough prayer
The breakthrough prayer starts with a breath prayer that centers us in the moment. A breath prayer starts with a breath in, and a breath out. Focusing on the act of breathing. As you do that, other things will come to mind. As they do, acknowledge that they are there, but don’t focus on them. Let them drift away. When you are ready, say the breakthrough prayer below. You can repeat it as much or as little as you need. You can finish with that prayer, or use the daily topics below to guide your prayer time. When you are finished prayer, repeat the breakthrough prayer. Breakthrough Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, come show us how we can be the spiritual heart of this community, Amen Mon: strength to hear God’s voice in all situations Tues: better understanding of our world and nation Wed: to hear our role in our community Thur: how we can help and support those in need Fri: for us and those around us to grow in our faith in God Simple Daily Prayer
You can use this basic format as a guide for daily prayer based on the Lord’s Prayer. You can also find this on the Daily Prayer App available in your smart phone app store. Opening Prayer Scripture Reading Lord’s Prayer (outline below) Closing Prayer You can use the following prayer for the opening and closing prayer, or another of your choice. You don’t have to do the same thing all the time either. As you change, your prayer needs will change as well. Breakthrough Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, come show us how we can be the spiritual heart of this community, Amen For the scripture reading you can randomly select a passage of scripture, find a reading plan that works for you, choose a book to read through, or if you aren’t sure you can always choose a chapter of Proverbs that matches today’s date. For the Lord’s Prayer, use the following format with a pause between each line. Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be thy name
Prayer Group Prayers
Below is the practice that our prayer group uses. Say each of the prayers below together, unless directed otherwise. Breakthrough Prayer Come Holy Spirit, come show us how we can be the spiritual heart of this community, Amen Group Prayer Great and Wonderful God, we are praying that You will use us to meet the spiritual needs of those in our community in the name of Jesus Christ. We are committing to pray regularly for changes that lead to health, growth, and vitality of all of our church members, guest, families, friends, and our community’s congregations and ministries. Sharing In this time share your joys, concerns, prayer requests, and answered prayers. Share as you feel led, and it is okay not to say anything. Wesley Covenant Prayer I am no longer mine but Yours God. Put me where You want me, with anyone You choose; Let me serve, let me suffer, let me work for You or withdraw from work for You; Let me get recognition and praise for You, Or be nameless and hidden for You: Let my life be full for You, or empty for You; Let me have all things or nothing. I freely give myself to You for Your pleasure or disposal; And now, glorious and gracious God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You are mine and I am Yours. May this covenant I make on earth Be effective here and continue in heaven In Jesus’ Name We Pray, Amen! Individual Prayer Each person that wishes to say a prayer can do so at this time. You can go around the room, or let folks pray as they feel led. If you are going in order, it is okay to say pass to let the next person know its their turn. Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thin is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen Prayer Beads (way of praying for others)
Traditional version
Begin: Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen At the Cross: The Apostle’s Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from thence he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. At Each Cruciform Bead: Mystery of Faith Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again Weeks: 4 Groups of Seven Beads Week 1: Prayers for the World & Nation Week 2: Prayers for the Community Week 3: Prayers for the Church Week 4: Prayers for family, friends, and self End: Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen Modern version
Cross Loving God, Invitatory bead You have called me into this time of prayer to be with you. First cruciform bead I praise you, Lord, for… Week beads, set 1 Use each bead to praise God; think of different qualities of God for which you would want to give praise. Second cruciform bead I ask, Lord, for your forgiveness for… Week beads, set 2 Use each bead to confess your sins to God. Third cruciform bead I pray, Lord, for… Week bead, set 3 Use each bead to list your intercessions — your joys and concerns for yourself or others. Fourth cruciform bead I thank you, Lord, for… Week beads, set 4 Use each bead to offer thanks to God for the blessings in your life. Invitatory bead Christ is alive in me. Thanks be to God. Cross Amen. The Examen
The Examen is an ancient prayer tradition coming from St. Ignatius and the Jesuits in the 1500’s. It is a self-reflective practice and prayer. This can be done on your own, with others, or writing your responses to the questions in a notebook or journal. There isn’t a right way to do this, but the practice is very helpful. There are five parts to respond to. As you do, listen for God’s voice in your responses. 1) Thanksgiving What am I especially grateful for in the past day . . . The gift of another day... The love and support I have received... The courage I have mustered... An event that took place today… 2) Petition I am about to review my day; I ask for the light to know God and to know myself as God sees me. 3) Review Where have I felt true joy today? What has troubled me today? What has challenged me today? Where and when did I pause today? Have I noticed God's presence in any of this? 4) Response In light of my review, what is my response to the God of my life? 5) A Look Ahead As I look ahead, what comes to mind? With what spirit do I want to enter tomorrow? Stop prayer
Resources
Phone Apps (search your phone's app store for each of these) Daily Prayer: Android, iPhone Echo Prayer App: Android, iPhone Lectio 365: Android, iPhone Reimagining the Examen: Android, iPhone Labyrinth Journey: Android, iPhone YMI: Android, iPhone Our Daily Bread: Android, iPhone Bible (youversion): Android, iPhone Websites Bible: https://www.bible.com/bible Bible in a Year: https://fivedaybiblereading.com/ The Divine Hours: https://annarborvineyard.org/resources/pray-the-divine-hours/pray-the-divine-hours-cst/ The Examen: https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/jesuit-a-z/terms-e/daily-examen Books “Field Guide for Daily Prayer” available at seedbed.com “The Divine Hours Pocket Edition” by Phyllis Tickle “The CEB Lectio Divina Prayer Bible” “Open Road” by Sue Nilson Kibbey “Living Room Liturgy” available at seedbed.com “Right Here Right Now: The Practice of Christian Mindfulness” by Amy Oden “The Making of an Ordinary Saint: My Journey from Frustration to Joy with the Spiritual Disciplines” by Nathan Foster “Celebration of Discipline” by Richard Foster “A Bead and a Prayer” by Kristen Vincent
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