DIVINE INTIMACY

Saint Francis of Assisi embracing Christ on the Cross, by Murillo, 1668.

"For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy." - St. Therese of Lisieux

Read:
Sirach 39:1-8
Psalm 102
Matthew 7:7-11

Study:
1) Handouts: Forgiveness; The Lord’s Prayer; Aspects of Prayer; Introduction to Prayer; Jesus: Our Exemplar in Prayer; Types of Prayer; Christian Meditation; The Heights of Prayer: Contemplation; Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; The Holy Rosary; Novenas

2) 3MC:
68 – What is prayer?
69 – What is the role of the body in prayer?
70 – What is the Our Father?

3) CCC 971, 1028, 1174-1178, 1674-1676, 2558-2854 (YOUCAT 469-527)



Meditate:
In what ways have I so far communicated with God? What does it mean to "pray always"? Why is prayer essential for our relationship with God and with others? How do we participate in God's work through prayer?

Pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Imitate:
St. Teresa of Avila

Apply:
We will spend eternity with God in heaven, how much time am I willing to spend with Him here on earth?

Extra:
The Power of Prayer
Bishop Barron on the Lord's Prayer
Ignatian Spirituality
The Rosary Album
Catholic Encyclopedia: The Lord's Prayer
Catholic Encyclopedia: Prayer

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LORD, hear my prayer;
let my cry come to you.
Do not hide your face from me
in the day of my distress.
Turn your ear to me;
when I call, answer me quickly.