Nurturing Faith

I'm looking for a special kind of prayer service for the opening faculty meeting. I like the idea of having a simple ritual and some personal reflection time. I want to try to provide a variety of different prayer forms for the faculty this year. Do you have any suggestions or possibly would you have a model for me to follow?

What a great idea! The variety and beauty of a faculty prayer service experience is often carried back to the classroom where the students then enjoy a beautiful and meaningful prayer service. A simple model might look something like this:

OUR JOURNEY

INTRODUCTION
As people involved in the ministry of Catholic Education, we are called to be people of prayer and service. Our journey is a journey with and for others—children, adults, parents, the church, and the world community.

In prayer let us ponder where we are on our journey and with whom we are journeying.

INVITATION TO PRAYER

LEADER: Let us begin.
ALL: In the name of the Father, the source of all life,
In the name of the Son, who frees us from bondage,
In the name of the Spirit, who empowers us with love,
We praise and thank you. Amen.

REFLECTIVE LISTENING
Choose an appropriate song for quiet reflection.

LITANY AND RITUAL
The simple ritual to use with this prayer service will be the calling of our name.

LEADER: Let us name our companions on our journey.
ALL: We are companions with (one by one each person will reverently call out his or her name).
LEADER: Let us name our companions on our journey.
ALL: We are companions with (each person names the grade, class, or group she or he is teaching).
LEADER: Let us pray for all whom we serve, that they will be nourished.
ALL: As we journey together.
LEADER: Let us be thankful for the love and service we receive.
ALL: As we journey together.

SCRIPTURE READING

Acts 2:43-47

GUIDED REFLECTION
Luke reminds us that many miracles and wonders were done as the disciples traveled together in love and companionship. We, too, have the power to work miracles and wonders. We, too, can find strength and courage in prayer and sharing the Bread of Life.

Let us reflect on the people whose names we heard called in prayer, this day. In your memory recall some special moment or event that you quickly associate with one or more of these companions. Bring this memory to prayer as a gift, as a need to be healed, as a joy, or as suffering shared.

Note: You might suggest that faculty and staff members maintain a journal during the year. Journaling is a prayer form that leads to the discovery of oneÕs own unique gift of prayer. When we journal, we put our deepest thoughts on paper. Having them objectively before us enables us to see our innermost thoughts and experiences in a new light. Journaling can provide the opportunity to become more aware of how God is interacting with us in our life experiences.

JOURNALING
There are many people with whom we journey. Begin to write down the names of the other special people in your life, people who are true companions with you. You might choose to write a blessing in your journal for these people you have named. Are you mindful that your students are also your companions? A blessing for...

Suggested Scripture readings for further reflection:

1 John 3:7-21
Luke 18:15-17

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