Reflection Guideline

Prayer Sheet #15

Baptism / Kingdom

Prayer: prayer of the year

Theme: The call of Jesus in the Kingdom Exercise is an overview of how Jesus calls

us to follow him as we are contemplating his public life.

Desire: To be open to His call to me in the unique and concrete circumstances of my

own life, and to know him with that deep-felt knowledge, that I might love him more and follow him more closely.

Major Points:

This reflection has two parts.

Part I:

  • Brief mention of Jesus’ life leading up to his Baptism. Such as, the temple experience at the age of 12. His growing in wisdom meant he was reflecting on what was happening in his life. People were searching for God at that time, therefore, so was Jesus. Perhaps he and others would look for signs from God. Which brings us to the Baptism of Jesus which was a sign from God.
  • By your baptism your call becomes the same as Jesus’ call….to love and follow God with all your heart.
  • Baptismal ritual

.

Scripture Suggestion:

Luke 3:21-22

Music Suggestion:

Feather on the Breath of God by Erin Jacobson

Activity:

Baptismal Ritual—sprinkling of water. (3 bowls of water, 3 small pine branches and prayer on strips of paper will be near podium.) Each guide approaches their retreatant saying their name, they recite the prayer “______you are my son/daughter, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life. Follow me!” Then sprinkle them with water.

Part II – The Kingdom

  • We unite with Jesus to bring about the salvation of the world.
  • Explanation of how to pray the Exercise. Use Fleming’s Kingdom Exercise. Use personal examples from your own life.
  • The prayer is to be open to God’s invitation—not about having all the answers.
  • What might Jesus be inviting you to consider—your call. (Give a personal example of how you experienced Jesus’ call.)
  • This Exercise is all about generosity not about having all the answers.

Mandatory Resources:Other Resources (optional):

Fleming’s Draw Me Into Your Friendship {91-97}Refection CD from previous year

Spiritual Freedom pp. 96-109The Ignatian Adventure by

CD’s #16 part 41; #17 part 4Kevin O’Brien, SJ pp. 153-157

The Romero Prayer

God’s Dream for Our World by

William Barry, SJ