The Way of Ignatius
A Prayer Journey through Lent: The focus for this particular lent retreat has been on pilgrimage, with sessions including, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made”, “Journeys of self discovery”, “the Pilgrim sets out”, and “who do you say I am?”. My favourite part of this journey though has been the repetitive prayer at the end of the session:
“You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me
only your love and grace, that is enough for me.”
This is somewhat a ‘dangerous prayer’ to say, acknowledging that the Lord has given me all I have. Would I be willing to return it if asked? Would you? Is God’s love and grace, the sacrifice he made for us for the forgiveness of our sins, really enough? This is the perfect season to wonder.
Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday I taught Godly Play. During the teaching I encouraged the children to take part in the story, laying down purple coats and palm leaves saying “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”. I asked the children how it felt to participate in that story. I wonder what it would have been like to be there?
Good Friday
How wonderful was it to participate in such a contemplative and solemn service. I went home in tears and wonder of what Jesus did for us on that day. A prayer that spoke to my heart on Good Friday was: Lord Jesus Christ, the story of your suffering is written on our hearts,
and the salvation of the world is in your outstretched hands. Keep your victory always before our eyes, your praise on our lips, your peace in our lives. Amen.
Easter Sunday
Isn’t Easter Sunday just such a glorious, joyful day? Just speaking the words, “Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed, Hallelujah, Hallelujah!” is so powerful. Nothing else needs to be said, however I did enjoy reflecting on this prayer: “Most glorious Lord of life, we thank you for
the mystery of Easter. Fill us with the Spirit of love, and unite us in faith, that we may witness to the Resurrection and show your glory to all the world.”
My hope in this blog post is that you can appreciate the rich liturgy and prayers we have to express worship towards God. I find it so helpful in my prayer life, and so powerful speaking words that are said by others and have been said for so long throughout history.
Now I’m looking forward to Pentecost and praying with others around the world through Thy Kingdom Come. You can find out more about that here.