The following reflections are provided for individual or communal reflection in preparation for praying the Liturgy of the Hours.
Morning Prayer -> Evening Prayer -> How to Pray
Morning Prayer
Psalm 119:145-152 -> Wisdom 9:1-6, 9-11 -> Psalm 117
1. Take a few moments to reflect on the themes of the prayers this morning:
This morning we are reminded of the challenges of following God’s will. We are completely reliant on His help to do so. This morning we are invited to rise with the psalmist and cry for God’s help and find hope as we place our trust in His word (Psalm 119:145-152). We pray for God’s wisdom to be with us throughout the day (Wisdom 9:1-6, 9-11). Then trusting in God’s faithfulness as we embark on the day, we thank Him for his love and faithfulness to us (Psalm 117).
2. Consider one or more of these questions for reflection:
- What are you worried or anxious about in the day ahead? Where might you need God’s help in the hours that lead us towards evening prayer?
- Consider listening and reflecting on the song “Lord, I need you” by Matt Maher.
Evening Prayer I (Sunday Week IV)
Psalm 122 -> Psalm 130 ->Philippians 2:6-11
1. Take a few moments to reflect on the themes of the prayers this evening:
The psalmody this evening invites us to prepare to receive the gift of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.[1] We are invited to approach with rejoicing and enthusiasm as the psalmist does in Psalm 122. We are invited to place our trust in the grace of this Sacrament as we call to Him for help and trust through His mercy He hears and responds to us (Psam 130). His mercy extends to us through Jesus Christ who emptied Himself to become one of us and was then exalted to become the name above every other name (Philippians 2:6-11).
2. Consider one or more of these questions for reflection:
- Are your heart, mind, and soul prepared to receive the Eucharist this Sunday? What might be distracting you from the awesome mystery that awaits us as we do?
- Consider reflecting on the song “Great I Am” by Philips, Craig & Dean
[1] John Brook, “The School of Prayer: An Introduction to The Divine Office for All Christians (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1991), 390.
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