Prayer – Week 1


I. What is prayer?

“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.” St. Therese

  1. God’s gift (CCC 2560) founded on humility (CCC 2559)

  2. Covenant (CCC 2564) starting with the heart (CCC 2562-3)

  3. Communion (CCC 2565) through a living relationship with God


II. Why?

A. God calls us to (CCC 2591)

B. Honor the greatest commandments (Matt 22:36-38)

C. Build the living relationship with God

D. Receiving graces


III. When?

  1. All the time

  2. Daily, when distractions are minimal

  3. Offering the best time period (Gen 4:2-7)

  4. Constant time daily to become habit


IV. Types

A. Vocal

1. Praise

2. Memorized prayers

a. Our Father…

b. Glory be…

c. Hail Mary…

B. Meditative/Contemplative

C. Mixed

1. Petition/Intercession

2. Thanksgiving

V. How? (See list)

A. Vocal: through group prayer times and mass

B. Meditative/Contemplative: through personal prayer times and adoration


VI. Getting started with meditation for week 1

  1. Select a time period, beginning with 15 min.

  2. Prepare to pray by quieting our mind and focusing on God w/ a Glory be…

  3. Topics: daily readings or

    1. Day 1: Seeing Jesus through Mary’s eyes

    2. Day 2: Seeing Mary through Jesus’s eyes

    3. Day 3: Seeing Jesus through the Father’s eyes

    4. Day 4: Seeing Mary through the Father’s eyes

    5. Day 5: Seeing God in your life

    6. Day 6: Seeing Mary in your life

    7. Day 7: repeat any of the above

Community – Week 1


I. Definition


II. Purpose

  1. Honor 2 greatest commandments (Matt 22:36-40)

    1. Determines everything that we do

      1. How we live (thoughts, words, and deeds) individually as a Christian

      2. Maintaining the home & environment

    2. Determines the future course

      1. Resolving conflicts

      2. Changing rules

  2. Helping others to honor 2 greatest commandments

  3. Theme Song: Change My Heart O God


III. Ice Breaker/Bonding

  1. Give academic info

    1. Major

    2. Year in school

    3. Career/future goal(s)

  1. Give personal info

    1. Emigration/Birth history

    2. Family

    3. Home

C. Give spiritual info

1. Catechist history

2. Describe your faith

3. Describe your goal(s) in next 9 months, be specific


IV. Setting Schedules

  1. Classes

  2. Work

  3. Community activities

  4. Other


V. Establishing Expectations

  1. Spiritual commitment

  2. Household commitment

    1. Quiet times

    2. Meals

    3. Cleaning

      1. Room & bath

      2. Common areas

4. Pet peeves