A Quiet Space for Prayer
These are contemplative prayers which might be helpful - in times when when you prefer to pray quietly by yourself. We continue to turn to mother Mary for her guidance and her intercessions, inviting the Holy Spirit to sit with us as we lose ourselves in God's embrace.
To settle our hearts and minds, and to prepare ourselves for contemplation, let us reflect on a beautiful message, contributed by our Spiritual Director Sr Elizabeth Lim, from our Holy Father Pope Francis who says:
☘“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.”
Let us all remember then that every changing colour of a leaf is beautiful and every changing situation of life is meaningful, both need very clear vision. So do not grumble or complain, let us instead remember that Pain is a sign that we are alive, Problems are a sign that we are strong and Prayer is a sign we are not alone!! If we can acknowledge these truths and condition our hearts and minds, our lives will be more meaningful, different and worthwhile!! ☘☘☘
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ROSARY CONTEMPLATION
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Recite one decade of the Rosary for each Contemplation - allowing your thoughts to enfold you for each of the ten reflections (we have chosen two Contemplations which relate to Mother Mary's bereavement, adapted from the Ignatian Contemplation on the Passion of our Lord). Bring yourself into each scene as you remember your child and let Mother Mary lead you. She knows your pain; Jesus knows the depth of your love. Surrender all to our loving God.
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Jesus is taken down from the cross
Our Father...
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Mary says: The crowd has gone, the noise has stopped, and now I stand and gaze at my dead son. (Hail Mary ….)
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Why, why did he have to suffer so? My heart is broken. (Hail Mary ….)
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Two men take my son’s body from the cross and place him in my arms. (Hail Mary ….)
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I remember the cradle in Bethlehem. (Hail Mary ….)
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What have they done to my child? (Hail Mary ….)
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Other women come closer to mourn with Mary. (Hail Mary ….)
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Mary wonders how her life will be without Jesus. (Hail Mary ….)
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After some time, Joseph of Arimathea comes forward and touches Mary gently. He removes the thorns from Jesus' head. (Hail Mary ….)
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A sad procession begins as they carry Jesus to the place of his burial. (Hail Mary ….)
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Mary feels the earth vibrate as the stone is rolled in front of the tomb and drops in place with a gentle thud. (Hail Mary ….)
Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
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Mary after Calvary
Our Father ….
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After they laid my son in the tomb, John took me to his home. (Hail Mary ….)
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His mother and family cared for me, but I could not sleep that night. (Hail Mary ….)
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Images of Calvary keep flashing into my mind. My garments were soiled by his wounded body when I held him. (Hail Mary ….)
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The next day was the Sabbath so we could not leave the house. (Hail Mary ….)
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That night I was so exhausted I must have fallen into a deep sleep. (Hail Mary ….)
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As the morning light came into my room, I felt something touch my cheek, then it went away. (Hail Mary ….)
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I opened my eyes and Jesus was there. He kissed and embraced me. (Hail Mary ….)
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I thought I was dreaming, but then he called me “mother.” (Hail Mary ….)
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I threw my arms around him and held him closely. He looked so different. (Hail Mary ….)
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Then he said: Later, the others will see me too, but I wanted you to be the first one I visited. (Hail Mary ….)
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Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Hope in Grief Prayer
O Lord my God, thank you that you are my rock and fortress, I can always find refuge in you. You have said that whoever follows you will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. As I feel the darkness of grief and sorrow at this time, shine your light on my life. Remind me that my hope is found in you. May your love surround me, your Spirit guide me, your voice cheer me, your peace calm me, your shield protect me, your wisdom arm me, wherever you may lead me. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
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I needed the quiet
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I needed the quiet so he drew me aside,
into the shadows where we could confide,
away from the bustle where all the day long,
I hurried and worried when active and strong.
I needed the quiet tho’ at first I rebelled,
but gently, so gently, my cross he upheld,
and whispered so sweetly of spiritual things,
tho’ weakened in body, my spirit took wings,
to heights never dreamed of when active and gay,
He loved me so greatly He drew me away.
I needed the quiet, no prison my bed,
but a beautiful valley of blessings instead -
a place to grow richer in Jesus to hide,
I needed the quiet so He drew me aside.
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