Use these prayer suggestions beginning on June 5 for the week leading up to the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (June 11).
In the Latin Rite Church of the Roman Catholic Communion, the celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist is a very cognitive endeavor. It requires significant preparation and serious conscious attention. The Latin Rite Liturgy can be made much more "user friendly" by giving appropriate attention daily to personal prayer with the Scriptures.
Our parish participation in the U.S. Bishops' Eucharistic renewal initiative intends to help Sunday worshipers prepare for full, active, conscious participation in the Liturgy by means of daily prayer exercises that engage the imagination and will.
Each week, this page will provide guidance for your daily prayer, along with some insight into the Scripture readings for the coming Sunday. These preparatory exercises can be used for personal prayer by individuals or shared prayer by families. You are encouraged to pray with these resources at least three or four times during the week prior to Sunday Liturgy. These prayer resources can be used in any order you choose and as often as you choose.
The daily thoughts and reflections on this page are examples of Ignatian prayer. St. Ignatius of Loyola taught his followers a three-step process of preparation for their daily prayer. First, one reminds oneself of the God's presence. Second, one prays for the spiritual freedom to hear and respond to God's Word. Third, one makes a brief examination of conscience to determine how God is leading one at this present moment. These preparatory steps allow one to hear God's Word and respond to God's call.
Try to spend about fifteen minutes a day with this prayer. If one of these prayer suggestions appeals to you, stay with it as long as you find it fruitful. If one seems to have no appeal to you, skip it and move to another. There is no right or wrong with this form of prayer; the value is found in focusing your attention on God's presence in your life.
The resources on this page are quoted from SacredSpace.ie, a website hosted by the Irish Jesuits. Over the course of a week, these resources will help you develop your attentiveness to God's presence and your ability to perceive God's will. You may use these resources in any order you choose, but you are encouraged to pray with all three preparatory steps and the Scripture passage during the week prior to Sunday Eucharist. More information about Ignatian prayer can be found at https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/what-is-ignatian-spirituality/the-ignatian-way/.
Please feel free to post your public comments or questions below.
PREPARATION FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
THE PRESENCE OF GOD
"Come to me all you who are burdened, and I will give you rest" Here I am, Lord. I come to seek your presence. I long for your healing power.
FREEDOM OF SPIRIT
I try to let go of any prejudices and narrow mindedness that may be clouding my vision at this present moment. I hand them over to God’s merciful care, so I can pray in freedom at this time.
EXAMINATION OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Conscious of your presence, Lord, I look over my recent past. Let me be honest with myself about how I’ve been and what I’ve done, because I know you love truth in the heart and accept me just as I am.
GOD'S WORD
The Scripture readings for June 11, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, are available at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061123.cfm
It is suggested that you use the Gospel reading for your prayer this week:
Jesus said to the Jewish crowds:
"I am the living bread that came down from heaven;
whoever eats this bread will live forever;
and the bread that I will give
is my flesh for the life of the world."
The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying,
"How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"
Jesus said to them,
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,
you do not have life within you.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
has eternal life,
and I will raise him on the last day.
For my flesh is true food,
and my blood is true drink.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
remains in me and I in him.
Just as the living Father sent me
and I have life because of the Father,
so also the one who feeds on me
will have life because of me.
This is the bread that came down from heaven.
Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died,
whoever eats this bread will live forever."
YOUR CONVERSATION WITH GOD
“Stay and watch with me.” Your words, Lord, to the disciples before your suffering and death. I know, Lord, You will stay and watch over me all the days of my life.
CONCLUSION
Filled with the loving presence of God Ask him to bless you and guide your steps. As you go to do His work in your daily life.