Spiritual Life: P.R.A.Y.

In a previous edition of Dove Tales I mentioned that I use a daily devotional called “Lectio 365”. It has three devotions per day (Morning; Midday Intercession; Evening: The Examen), but I must confess that often I only do the morning devotional. I will try and do better!

 

Each day Lectio 365 uses the same ancient P.R.A.Y. pattern (from the Lectio Divina):

 

P:       Pausing to be still

R:       Rejoicing with, and Reflecting on, verses from the Bible

A:       Asking for God’s help

Y:       saying YES to God’s ways.

 

The Pausing prayer includes a Prayer of Approach:

 

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God. Pause and pray.

 

Prayer of Approach (e.g. for 5/8/2025):

Ancient of Days*, my foundation and my future, help me to live faithfully and prayerfully each day, true to those who’ve gone before, as a witness to your world today and to generations to come. [* - One of the more unusual names for God. See Daniel 7:9, 13, 22].

 

I particularly like Lectio 365’s Closing Prayer, firstly because it’s Trinitarian, and secondly because it reminds me that I need God’s help each and every day:

 

Father, help me to live this day to the full, being true to you in every way.  Jesus, help me to give myself away to others, being kind to everyone I meet. Spirit, help me to love the lost,   proclaiming Christ in all I do and say. Amen.

 

I only discovered this week that Lectio 365 has a version for Families. The link is https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectioforfamilies/. It is designed for children from 7 to 11 and is written by an adult and a child. There is a written version and an audio version. It uses the P.R.A.Y. pattern but also adds a Memory verse that can be downloaded as a PDF (as shown).

 

The Pausing prayer for the Family version includes a Prayer of Welcome:

 

We start by pausing and taking a deep breath:

In and out.

In and out.

We remember that God is here, and so together we prepare ourselves to be with God.

Pause

 

Prayer of Welcome:

Holy Spirit, like the disciples in the upper room on the day of Pentecost, we’re patiently waiting for You to fill us with Your power and with Your presence. We’re ready for You to send us on new adventures.

 

 

The Closing prayer for the Family version is:

 

Let’s put a hand on our heart.

Father God, fill us with Your love. Help us to love You, and everything that You’ve made.

Let’s point to our eyes.

Lord Jesus, help us to see You, and to see others the way that You see them too.

Let’s point to our ears.

Holy Spirit, help us to hear You, and give us courage to do what You say.

Amen.

 

However you end your personal devotional time with God, whether it’s with the Lord’s Prayer, or a set prayer, I invite you to add these prayers to your own treasure chest of faith.

 

With hope and joy,

Rev. Frank (Van Der Korput), Supply Minister