Reading Guide Week 8: Prayer, Rituals and Celebrations

Grajczonek, J., Ryan, M. (2014), Growing in Wisdom, Queensland, Australia: Lumino Press.
Chapter 7
Key terminology:
Prayer: An activity where one lifts their hearts and minds through song, words
or contemplation, to God.
Ritual: Believers sharing an activity that represents shared beliefs and values.
Liturgy: The work of the people through prayer, symbolic actions and group
gatherings.

Describe the different types of prayer:

Adoration, gratitude, petition, praise,
Prayers of blessing and adoration: Blessing prayers acknowledge God’s gifts.
Humans are not the ultimate masters – human dependence on the divine
creator. Examples of prayers of adoration: Canticle (means song), Litany –
series on invocations (chanted and congregation responds) pg. 73 examples:
daily blessings
Prayers of petition: Prayers that ask for help – in human circumstances eg;
Peace Prayer of St Francis. (not written by St Francis) (side note: Jesus prayed in
Gethsemane in Jerusalem near the olive trees.) Catechism says: ‘the desire and
search for the Kingdom to come, in keeping with the teaching of Christ.” “When
we share in God’s love every need can be an act of petition.”

Prayers of praise: Catechism: ‘the form of prayer which recognizes most

immediately that God is God.’
Language that frees us from our ego – be impressed by what is beyond self.

Discuss how you use prayer in your daily life:

To thank God for help during times of difficulty and decision making. To ask for
guidance when unsure of how to move forward.

How could you use your prayer life to teach children the importance of
prayer?
Find a place and time to pray with children, celebrating students life events,
asking for help when they have concerns (as group or individuals).

How could you integrate prayer into a Catholic School classroom?

Class prayer book – Collect favourite prayers and students comositions.
Family prayer book – cover and decorate and invite families to take home &
contribute to book.
Field trip – visit local places where people pray.

How would you create a sacred space in your classroom?

Prayer spaces in school grounds – prayer and reflection spaces that honour
traditions of indigenous spiritualities.
Grottoes that honour Mary.
Events – Lent stations of the cross

What criteria would you use to create the sacred space?

Atmosphere: Creation of space
Size: big enough to fit required features but not dominate the room
Dignity: The space conveys sense of importance
Colour: Suitable cloths (not too dark and heavy) and colours can be changed to
represent special festivals and seasons.
Flexibility: Changes of focus depending on special festivals
Simplicity: Not too many objects to confuse and clutter space
Clean: Clean, uncluttered and of good quality.
Natural: Natural materials, flowers etc that represent God’s creation.
Objects: Materials can be placed on a low table, bible, candle, statue and wall
hanging or tapestry may be added for dignity.
Placement: Place where there is not too much foot traffic (away from a door) not
adjacent to inappropriate objects like the bin.
Additional notes:
Prayers of gratitude: Most prayers express thanks and gratitude, thanks giving
prayers.
Prayer of intercession: To ask for something on behalf of another.