This prayer prompt is to discover prayer ideas which start with different letters of the alphabet. This is a suggestion for a group prayer, but it could also be used as an individual prayer starter.
Prayers
Advent Stations
Advent Stations are a devotion which is similar to the Stations of the Cross. They encourage the participant to take a journey through prayer and scripture. In the case of Advent Stations we are taking a journey which shows us God’s preparation for the coming of Christ through the ages.
One Word Spontaneous Prayer Circle
A one word spontaneous prayer circle is a way to encourage spontaneous prayer in a group. The simplicity helps group members participate even if they are a little intimidated by spontaneous prayer.
Litany to the Blessed Host
St. Faustina suffered greatly in this life, both physically and spiritually. She found consolation in offering her suffering for the souls of all of those suffer, and especially for those sinners who needed God’s mercy. Her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament helped her endure much pain. This is a litany she wrote to pray while in the presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
The Seven Sorrows Devotion
The Seven Sorrows devotion is a prayer where a person meditates on the seven sorrows of our Blessed Mother. Mary experienced tremendous suffering during the life, passion, and death of her son, Jesus Christ.
Ignatian Contemplation
In this video, Fr. James Martin describes the method of prayer known as Ignatian contemplation. It is a method of praying with scripture. In this method of prayer, you use your imagination to place yourself in a scene from the Bible and become aware of how the Holy Spirit moves you in that experience.
Make a Gratitude List Every Day and Pray with It
Gratitude can be one of the most fruitful forms of prayer. When we specifically notice things to be grateful for, we become aware of and acknowledge God’s constant presence in our lives. Practicing gratitude daily is a practice which can change your whole attitude and it doesn’t have to take a lot of time.
Pray the O Antiphons
The “O Antiphons” are part of the evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours for December 17 to December 23. In them, Old Testament imagery is used to proclaim the coming of the Christ child. Incorporate them into your family prayer this advent.
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina means “divine reading”. It is a prayer practice which trusts that God speaks to us through scripture. This is a practice I started doing regularly a few years ago.
Prayer for an End to Racism
The sin of racism has been on my mind lately. Our communities are so divided. We don’t understand or listen to each other. We seem unable to make the sacrifices necessary to even the playing field for all of God’s children.