SCHOOL OF PRAYER

The diocese worked with the Guildford Deanery and the Jesuit Ministries to organise a two-day School of Prayer in St. Peter's School on 30th November & 1st December 2019.  Over 90 people took part, more than had been expected, and the feedback was very encouraging.

The Sunday session included instruction in methods of prayer, with emphasis on the 'Prego Group' approach for prayer meetings, in which the following elements are suggested (download the booklet below):

1. A time of stilling: slow entry into prayer.
2. Time with scripture (maybe read it aloud several times with pauses in between, or use another method such as Lectio Divina or imaginative contemplation).  You can use any of the readings or even the opening prayer.
3. Invitation to share what went on in prayer; not what we think we should do, not a discussion.  No compulsion to do so.
4. Intercessions.  Individuals simply mention a name or intention. and if desired add an Our Father or Hail Mary.
5. One word or a short phrase can be offered to reflect on this time of prayer.  This can be followed by a Glory be or other suitable closing prayer.
6. A cup of tea or coffee, which helps to build community.

A 'School of Prayer' booklet (download below) also mentioned four 'Anchor Points':

1. Preparation
2. Entry into Prayer
3. Exit from Prayer
4. Review after Prayer

praying_with_sunday_readings_booklet.pdf
File Size:	1545 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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school_of_prayer_booklet.pdf
File Size:	2590 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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A mobile app was also mentioned, for those who might find it convenient to have a guide to daily prayer on their phone or tablet.  The app is called 'Pray as you go' and is available on the Play Store for Android and the App Store for iPhone/iPad.

Pray as you go is also available for computers here:  pray-as-you-go.org/

Deacon Jon Harman, Diocesan Specialist Adviser, Formation and Spirituality (*)

* The aim of the diocesan Spirituality and Formation team is "to assist parishes to form adults into missionary disciples of Jesus Christ".  Four key areas of work are:

• to provide training opportunities for Catechists, including a diocesan course and parish based sessions
  
• offering advice and resources to parishes developing their own strategies for adult formation
  
• supporting the mission of evangelisation by providing events and training, and identifying resources
  
• provide faith-sharing materials for small groups in Advent and Lent