GUIDELINES

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• Login should be with Student Name and Surname. No logging in from Multiple devices (Just one ID per student).

• Log in at the scheduled time - please avoid entering the classroom late.

• Our class session will include prayer, presentation, discussions, audio-visuals and question-answer session towards the end of class.

• Attendance is mandatory. However, we appreciate if the parent/student informs us in advance his/her inability to attend the class only for valid and emergent reasons.

• All children should revise the prayers at home and make it a practice to recite the prayers during the daily rosary.

• Due to limited online class duration, parents may read the Acts of the Apostles chapters/verses after the holy rosary as this is an integral part of our faith formation.

PLAYING WITH PRAYER:

EXPLORING WAYS TO PRAY

CONFIRMATION CLASS 8

LESSON 12 (PART 2)

As Catholics we are blessed with2,000 years of history – a historyrich with a wide variety ofspiritualities and approaches toprayer.

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RECAP - TYPES OF PRAYER

HOW TO PRAY – EXPLORING WAYS TO PRAY

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Story of the Blind Beggar

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On 6th May, Pope Francis began a new series of catechesis during his weekly live-stream GeneralAudience on the theme of PRAYER. He reflected on the Gospel episode of Bartimaeus, the blindbeggar from Jericho, a reading taken from the Gospel of Mark (Mk 10:46-52) and described prayeras follows:

“Prayer is a breath of Life, a cry that comes from the

heart of those who believe and trust in God”

Bartimaeus, although blind, was aware of Jesus approaching and using his voice only, he perseveres in calling out: ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me’, not only once but repeated it again. This call catches Jesus attention. It touches God’s heart.- By crying out ‘Jesus, Son of David’, he is making a profession of faith in Jesus

the Messiah. - This faith of cry for salvation, touches God’s heart, attracting God’s mercy and

power.

A Prayer of the Heart

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A prayer of the heart consists of a word of phrase or sentence chosen by a person, which

holds a special meaning to that person. It is called so because it comes straight and true

from your heart. It could be:

A prayer of thanksgiving or praise

A prayer of forgiveness

A prayer of sorrow

Example: God of Friendship, walk with me today

Into your hands, I give my life

Jesus, my Savior, showme the way

As we continue on our pilgrimage of faith, may we like Bartimeus “always persevere in prayer, especially in our darkest moments, and ask the Lord with confidence: “Jesus have mercy on me. Jesus, have mercy on us!”.

Just like Bartimeus, ‘We are all beggars before God’ – Pope Francis

CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER - The Breath Prayer

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What is Breath Prayer?

Prayer of the Heart is also termed as ‘Breath Prayer’. It is a form of

contemplative prayer linked to the rhythms of breathing. Breath

Prayer helps us to live with Christ all through our days and our

nights.

• They are simple prayers – short and easy

• They can be spoken in a single breath and repeated

throughout the day. It is done rhythmically with your

breathing.

• “Breath Prayers” can make a huge difference in our lives as

they help us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

• It can be repeated while you walk, sit or relax.

• It can be done daily and regularly.

Steps - The Breath Prayer

8You can do this as you work, walk, fall asleep, enter into a tense space in your life, as you head to school, or go about your daily activities. Your prayer may change from day to day or even hour to hour. You may even pray the same prayer for years.

1• Sit before God and consider the state of your soul at that moment. Are you tired? Agitated? Restless? Anxious? Content? Pensive? Doubting? Rejoicing?

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• State your reality. You will have two thoughts become clear to you in this moment. The first is that you have a need, praise, or a celebration to place before God.

• The second is that God will meet you in your place of need or will receive your praise.

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•Pick an attribute of God. Choose a word or phrase that will serve as a title for God in your prayer. Some examples are: Almighty, Authority, Encourager, Lamb of God, King, Holy, Redeemer, Peacemaker, Healer, Protector, Glorious One, Counselor, Defender.

4• Add your need/praise/thanksgiving. Sum up what it is you want to say to God or ask of God in two to four

words. This could sound like, “grant me peace,” “heal my body,” “thank you for life,” or “give me clarity”

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• Create your Breath Prayer. Put these two thoughts together into a short, one sentence prayer. Some examples are as follows:

• Great Healer, restore my body. • Peacemaker, bring me your peace. • Lamb of God, you are holy. • Wonderful Teacher, show me your ways.

6•Pray your Breath Prayer often. Breathe in your name for God then breathe out your praise or petition.

Your just a breath awayFrom God

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The Breath Prayer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzokzvXLw40&t=5s

Activity - Verses From the Bible to Practice

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Psalm 56:3 When I am Afraid Lord, I will trust you

This verse helps to remain calm and trustful in the Lord, whenever tempted by worry or fear.

Philippians 4:7 Peace of Christ, guard my heart and my mind

When anxious or impatient, this prayer helps you to surrender, where great answers are

likely to come.

By repeating this prayer, you are asking God, to come constantly and repeatedly in all your

situations and struggles.

Revelation 22:20 Come, Lord Jesus

Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

When in need and desperation, this prayer helps you to call upon God’s strength.

1 Samuel 3:9 Speak Lord, for your servant is listening

When waiting upon the Lord, to speak to you in the quietness of your soul.

Let us experience our relationship with God through a different style of prayer –Guided Meditation.

"Guided Prayer" we use guided imagery to gently surrender our burdens and soften our hearts so that we can receive in an embodied way the grace and healing that are right here, now, and waiting for us.

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MEDITATIVE PRAYER – Guided Meditation

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MEDITATIVE PRAYER – Guided Meditation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUQCdWMi024

HOMEWORK

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• Bible Study - Read Acts of the Apostles – Chapter 18

• Prayer – Spiritual and Corporal Acts of Mercy

• Holy Spirit Novena starts from 22 May 2020

SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY 1. Share knowledge OR Counsel the doubtful. 2. Give advice to those who need it OR

Instruct the doubtful 3. Comfort those who suffer OR Comfort the

afflicted. 4. Be patient with others OR Bear wrongs

patiently. 5. Forgive those who hurt you OR Forgive

offenses. 6. Give correction to those who need it OR

Admonish sinners 7. Pray for the living and the dead.

CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY 1. Feed the hungry 2. Give drink to the thirsty 3. Shelter the homeless 4. Clothe the naked 5. Care for the Sick OR Visit the sick 6. Help the imprisoned OR Visit the imprisoned 7. Bury the dead