Forms
For your spiritual growth this summer consider praying with scripture the RSVP (Ritual Scripture Verse and Prayer) way.
This can be done in groups, among family members or by oneself.
New parishioner groups will be forming in the Fall.RSVP invites us to pray with the scriptures in a small group prayer group or on our own. The scripture passages and reflection questions can be found to the right.
RSVP groups have offered parishioners an opportunity for prayer and faith sharing as well as community building. The format and sharing suggestions are below.
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH
RSVP: Ritual, Scripture, Verse, and Prayer
An Invitation to Pray with the Scriptures
Guidelines and suggested Format
RSVP offers a simple prayer and sharing format outlined below. This can be done with others or alone.
These are suggestions only, and should be amended to fit the group and the time allowed.
Obviously if children are present, a candle may not be what is passed as part of the sharing.
Anyone can lead. Leadership can rotate and should not be seen as someone who “knows” more than others. The leader simply initiates the prayer for all.
RITUAL: Begin by lighting a candle.
The candle is symbolic of the light of Christ. When we gather, Jesus himself is among us, because he said: “Where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them.” (Matt 18:20).
Take a quiet moment to let go of the demands of the day, and begin to focus your heart on prayer.
SCRIPTURE:
The scripture is read slowly three times by the leader with periods of silence between readings. This is an ancient form of prayer known as Lectio Divina, or sacred reading.
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The first reading merely gives the hearer a chance to hear the words.
- The listener, in prayer, asks: What do these words say?
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The second reading is for deeper understanding.
- The listener, in prayer, asks: What is God saying to me?
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The third reading is to discern action.
- The listener, in prayer asks: Is there an action God is calling me to take?
Reflecting and sharing the VERSE of scripture
that relates to our life:
Sharing our reflection gives voice to our prayer and not only helps us articulate our faith, but helps others as well. The questions offered are suggestions only; if they speak to you, welcome them, if not, share your own reflections. It is not necessary to answer every question. They are intended to assist the reflection process only, not to assume answers or make comparisons.that relates to our life:
Steps for sharing:
- The first person to share takes the candle and holds it in their hands.
- Share only what you feel comfortable sharing. It is always acceptable to “pass.”
- Listen with prayerful respect to others, and make no comments nor ask questions as others are sharing.
- When the person sharing is finished, they will place the candle back in the center of the table so the next person may take it as they share.
PRAYER:
The group may ask all to pray in intercession or in thanksgiving for experiences or events that are happening in our lives:
| . . . . . We pray to the Lord. | All: Lord, hear our prayer. |
Closing Prayer: Our Father
Make RSVP a Way to Pray
Some RSVP guidelines:
Sharing our faith and the joys and struggles that we encounter in life is one way we can strengthen our bonds of community. Praying with RSVP is one way of building trust and closer relationships with our fellow parishioners. By reflecting on the gospels and sharing how we deal with the world, we enrich our Christian lives. In order to make RSVP a comfortable experience for everyone, there are a few suggested guidelines that should be observed.
These include:
- All agree that what is shared in the group is confidential and should not leave the room, thus respecting the privacy of all present.
- Share only what you feel comfortable sharing. There is no requirement to reveal the depths of your soul.
- Share yourself and your own experiences, not the experiences of others.
- Silence is okay and is expected. Reflection requires silence. There is no requirement to share, it is okay to sit in reverent silence and pray, listening to others.
- Refrain from comments or interrupting other’s sharing. This is prayer, not problem solving. The proper response to sharing is “Thank you.”
- Try to keep your sharing short and to the point. Once you have shared, allow others to speak before you share again.
- Confessional material is best reserved for the Sacrament of Reconciliation; this is prayer and a sharing of our awareness of God’s movement and working in our lives.