In This Module Students Will Focus on Prayer As a Means of Developing a Meaningful Relationship

Stage 2

Prayer

Module Focus

In this module students will focus on prayer as a means of developing a meaningful relationship with God. Students will examine both formal and informal prayer, learning about what prayer means in the lives of individuals and the Catholic Church community.

Outcomes

Learn About:

• The purpose of prayer
• Forms of prayer
• The Lord’s Prayer
• The structure of the Eucharistic liturgy
• Prayer as a means of strengthening relationship with God

• How Jesus speaks to all through Sacred Scripture
• The use of Scripture in prayer
• Ways to respond to Jesus’ teaching
• The importance of spreading the Word

• Describe, explain and participate in important celebrations of the Church
• Recite formal prayers associated with eucharistic and non-eucharistic liturgy
• Participate in a variety of prayer forms
• Appreciate prayer as a means of communication with God
• Engage in spontaneous prayer opportunities

• Develop skills to listen to Scripture
• Discuss the message of Scripture
• Describe the importance of including Scripture in liturgical celebrations
• Relate stories from the New Testament to their lives
• Proclaim Scripture

• Students are challenged toactive participation in liturgical celebrations
• Students are challenged to pray the Scriptures

Catholic Discipleship

Praying is an integral part of everyday life. Prayer is the believer speaking and listening to God. Some prayers are expressed formally and others are more spontaneous. As students mature they grow in awareness of the power of prayer to change the way they interact with the world. Students also become more aware of the appropriateness and opportunities for formal and informal prayer. Their participation in liturgical prayer offers them opportunities to learn more about prayer in their own life and develop an appreciation of the values of communal prayer.

Duration

This module is designed to support learning experiences of approximately FOUR TO FIVE WEEKS

Core Scripture

Mt 6:9-13The Lord’s Prayer

Associated Scripture

Lk 8: 41-56 Jesus heals Jairus' daughter (Petition); Lk 17:11-19 Jesus heals ten lepers (Thanksgiving); Lk 23:33-34 Jesus on the cross (Sorrow); Jn 2: 1­12 Wedding feast of Cana (Praise).

Scripture in Context

The Lord's Prayer comes to us from Jesus in response to the request of the disciples, ‘Lord, teach us to pray' (Lk 11: 1). Jesus indeed taught the disciples how to speak with God. This prayer encourages believers to ask God what it is they are asked to do. As such, this prayer has become a prayer for all Christians; it is at the centre of the Scriptures and is the quintessential prayer of the Church.

The prayer begins with a plural reference, ‘Our Father’, creating intimacy in addressing ‘Father’ and acknowledging the Father’s relationship to all humankind.

The ‘Our Father’ contains petitions for God and petitions for humankind. How do we ‘hallow’ God? What does ‘Thy Kingdom come’ mean? And ‘What is God’s will’? The purpose of this first section is to give glory to the Father, the coming of the kingdom and the fulfilment of God's will.

Is the ‘daily bread’ referred to earthen bread or is there a deeper meaning –perhaps the reference is to bread of the kingdom?

Forgiveness is a demand- because God has pardoned humankind; humankind cannot but pardon one another. We ask that God not ‘test’ us, as Abraham was tested, and that we not be tempted by anything which may be too strong for us to resist. This section presents our needs to God and describes ways of growing towards God ­ they ask that our lives be nourished, healed of sin and victorious in the struggle of good over evil.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

nn. 2598­2619 Jesus and prayer

nn. 2663­2679 The way of prayer

nn. 2697­2751 Expressions of prayer

nn. 2759­2856 The Lord's Prayer

Backgroundfor the Teacher

Introduction

God calls each person to that mysterious encounter known as prayer. 'In prayer God's initiative of love always comes first; our own first step is always a response. As God gradually reveals himself and reveals man to him, prayer appears as a reciprocal call, a covenant drama. Through words and actions, this drama engages the heart. It unfolds throughout the whole history of salvation.' (CCC 2567) This prayer can take various forms but is essentially an expression of belief in and relationship with God. 'I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door I will come in to you.' (Rev 3:20).

Communication and Prayer

To be communicative is to be ready to impart, to be open, and to be talkative. (cf Concise Oxford Dictionary) To pray is to be open, to talk and listen to God. Prayer is a human response inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is about life. It is a human response to God's initiative in relationship. 'In prayer, the faithful God's initiative of love always comes first; our own first step is always a response.' (CCC 2566)

Thinking about God and longing for God, attest to a person's search for God and are aspects of prayer. Prayer is a matter of the heart and mind. Traditionally, prayer has been recognised as crucial to a living and growing relationship with God. While not giving a definition of prayer, the Scriptures give many accounts of people praying.

Biblical Prayers

According to Scripture, it is the heart that prays. 'The heart is the dwelling place where I am, where I live; according to the Semitic or Biblical expression, the heart is the place "to which I withdraw." The heart is our hidden centre, beyond the grasp of our reason and of others; only the Spirit of God can fathom the human heart and know it fully. The heart is the place of decision, deeper than our psychic drives. It is the place of truth, where we choose life or death. It is the place of encounter, because as image of God we live in relation: it is the place of covenant.' (CCC 2563)

Prayer has shaped human history, for salvation history is the story of God's saving initiative and the Chosen People's response. The Book of Psalms (Psalter) is 'the masterwork of prayer in the Old Testament.' (CCC 2585) The Psalms present both the personal and communal qualities of prayer. They recall God's promises already fulfilled looking for the coming of the Messiah and are fulfilled in Christ. They are an essential and permanent element of the Prayer of the Church.

Jesus Prays

Jesus 'learned to pray in his human heart' (CCC 2599). He learnt to pray from his mother at home as a child. He learnt to pray in the manner of the Jewish people, in the synagogue at Nazareth and in the temple in Jerusalem. Throughout his ministry, Jesus prayed with a sense of his unique sonship as the Son of God and taught his followers to pray as sons and daughters of God.

Jesus prayed before decisive moments in his life, e.g. at his baptism; at the Transfiguration and in the garden of the Mount of Olives before his arrest (cf Lk 3:21; 9:28 and 22:41-44). He often drew apart from his followers to pray in solitude (cf Mk1: 35; 6:46 and Lk 5:16). In the priestly prayer of Christ, Jesus prays for all: he takes on all humanity (cf Jn17). This priestly prayer of Jesus sums up the whole economy of creation and salvation and fulfils the petitions of the Our Father. Jesus insisted on conversion of heart (cf Mt 5:1-48). Jesus hears our prayer, whether it is expressed in words (cf Mk 1: 40-42; 5: 36, 7: 29. Lk 23: 37-38) or in silence (cf Mk 2: 5; 5: 28; Lk 7: 37-38).

The Lord's Prayer comes to us from Jesus in response to the request of the disciples, ‘Lord, teach us to pray' (Lk 11: 1). It is the fundamental Christian prayer; it is at the centre of the Scriptures and is the quintessential prayer of the Church. (The Catechism of the Catholic Church treats the Lord's Prayer in sections nn 2777 ­ 2856). The object of the first sections of the Our Father is the glory of the Father, the coming of the kingdom and the fulfilment of God's will. The other sections present our needs to God and describe ways of growing towards God ­ they ask that our lives be nourished, healed of sin and victorious in the struggle of good over evil. God asks us to pray with the humble and trusting heart of a child.

Mary and Prayer

'Beginning with Mary's unique cooperation with the working of the Holy Spirit, the Churches developed their prayers to the holy Mother of God, centring it on the person of Christ manifested in his mysteries. In countless hymns and antiphons expressing this prayer, two movements usually alternate with one another: the first "magnifies" the Lord for the "great things" he did for his lowly servant and through her for all human beings; the second entrusts the supplications and praises of the children of God to the Mother of Jesus, because she now knows the humanity which, in her, the Son of God espoused.' (CCC 2675)

Because of Mary's cooperation with the action of the Holy Spirit, the Church prays with her focusing on the person of Christ. This twofold movement of prayer finds expression in the 'Hail Mary' which in turn reflects Mary's 'Magnificat' (cf Lk 1:46-55). We honour Mary as the mother of God and of the Church. As she is the model Christian disciple we ask her to intercede for us to God. 'Mary, because of her faith, became the mother of believers, through whom all nations of the earth receive him who is God's own blessing: Jesus.' (CCC 2676)

The Tradition of Prayer

We pray by reading and meditating on the Scriptures, the Word of God; we pray through the liturgy of the Church and in anticipation of and response to the events of each day where the Spirit is offered to us at all times; in prayer groups, in spiritual direction and in the family which 'is the first place of education in prayer.' (CCC 2685) Prayer can be personal or communal, vocal or silent meditation or contemplation. Some contemporary expressions of prayer include charismatic prayer, Taize prayer and centering prayer. Retreats and creation centred spirituality provide opportunities for prayer. Prayer can range from quiet stillness to joyful song and dance in God's presence. Other prayer forms have emerged from the spiritual traditions of the Benedictine, Carmelite, Dominican, Cistercian, Franciscan and Jesuit orders.

The Church has a rich tradition of prayer which includes the common prayers of communal worship. When memorised, these become a store-house of personal prayer for those times when spontaneous prayer dries up or anxiety makes prayer difficult. The Rosary and the psalms are examples of these. Students can be encouraged to form the habit of morning and evening prayer and grace before and after meals.

Forms of Prayer

The Eucharist is 'the source and summit of the Christian life' (LG 11) and in the liturgy, all Christian prayer finds its source and goal' (CCC 1073).

Forms of prayer have been traditionally identified as praise, thanksgiving, sorrow for sin and petition. The Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks of the basic forms of prayer as blessing, petition, intercession, thanksgiving and praise (cf CCC 2644). The prayer of blessing is a person's response to God's gifts. The prayer of petition has as its objects, forgiveness, the quest for the Kingdom and any need. The prayer of thanksgiving gives thanks for every joy and suffering, every event and need. The prayer of praise gives to God praise and glory simply because God is (cf CCC 2645-2649).

Some students may find it difficult to fully enter into prayer experiences. There are many reasons why this might happen, some so deep that the student might not be aware of the reason. Gentle encouragement, reassurance and acceptance are required in this situation.

In Brief for Students

Prayer is talking and listening to God.

• Jesus taught us how to pray by teaching us to pray the Lord's Prayer.
• It is important to pray every day.
• Prayer can express a blessing, thanksgiving, praise, sorrow for sins or our own or others' needs.

Student Context

How can I meet the needs of these students at this time using these strategies and resources?

Developing the Partnership

How can I make connections between the learning in this module and parents and the wider community?

Curriculum Links

Indicate outcomes from other Key Learning Areas to be covered in this module.

Suggested Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategies

• Create a word bank on prayer and the purpose of prayer. It could include listening, speaking, communicating, being silent, singing, sharing, dancing.
• Make a Chart on the 'what, where and when' of prayer, e.g. what do I pray? (E.g. traditional, spontaneous prayers.) Where do I pray? (In a special place at home/school/in a bush setting, in the church.) When do I pray? (Alone, with others, in the morning, at night, when happy/sad/afraid.)
• Make a list of traditional prayers and when these prayers are prayed by and in community (E.g. the Apostles’ Creed- Sunday Eucharist, Gloria- etc)
• Plan, with the students, a classroom prayer roster. Encourage students to take responsibility for setting up the sacred space and preparing a variety of prayer experiences for the class.
• Commence a class prayer book. Include in it favourite personal, family and/or class prayers including traditional prayers and prayers composed by students. Teacher and students develop a roster for students to borrow the book nightly. Each family writes a brief response/ reaction to the prayer book.
• Review the celebration of the Eucharist as a time of both formal and informal prayer. List prayers within the ‘Liturgy of the Word’ and the ‘Liturgy of the Eucharist’. Identify components of the different types of prayer within the Mass.The ‘Liturgy Planning Sheet’ in Religion Quick Prints pgs. 64 and 65 may be a useful resource.
• Teacher develops a list of internet prayer sites (Catholic) and displays web addresses in the classroom. Offer students opportunities to explore sites individually throughout the module.
• Use the Reader’s Theatre strategy to present Jesus’ teaching on prayer, Matthew 6: 5-18. SeeThe Dramatised Bible, New Testament p.9.
• Read Matthew 6:9-13, where Jesus shares with his disciples the Lord’s Prayer. Students complete a ‘Scripture Probe’, Into the Deep.(MODIFIED)
• Students view the animated video, The Lord’s Prayer and discuss/list the key features. Decide upon the implications of this prayer for Catholics today. E.g. What is Jesus asking us to do?
• Discuss in pairs or in small groups, the meaning of individual phrases of the Lord's Prayer. Develop a frozen picture to represent each phrase. Combine these to create a tableau vivant for the Lord's Prayer.
• Compare the Lord’s Prayer with the Aboriginal Our Father. (See internet resource reference).
• Read Mark 1:35-37. Identify times when we pray alone and when we pray together.
• Students work in small groups to prepare a list of questions to use when interviewing parents and/or grandparents about prayer. Students complete interview as a homework task and present their findings to the class.
• Identify forms of prayer during the liturgical seasons of Lent, Easter, Advent and Christmas.
• Gather pictures and headlines from newspapers and magazines to inspire prayer.
• Students suggest examples of traditional prayers that fit into the categories of thanksgiving, praise, petition and sorrow.
• Use a Venn diagram to depict the qualities of formal and informal prayer.
• Complete ‘The Five Whys’ from The Thinking Platform, p.138 with a focus on prayer. The initial why question could be ‘Why do we pray?’
• After participating in a variety of prayer experiences e.g. meditation, journaling, guided meditation, clay work, music, movement and contemplation, student’s journal their responses to different forms of prayer.
• Prepare a PowerPoint presentation based on one of the scripture references. See ‘Scripture Snaps’ from Into the Deep, p.70. This may be incorporated into a liturgy at the conclusion of the module.
• Make up a song or ‘Classroom Rap’ from The Thinking Platform, p.149 about the Our Father.
• Follow the ‘Prayer MITS’ format Into the Deep, p.79 to prepare a liturgy. A simple format for children is: (i) prepare and gather; (ii) Listen and respond; (iii) Share and give thanks; (IV) Go and share.

Resources

Note:Resources below are not an exhaustive list. Choose resources to enhance the learning and teaching process of this module and record below

Teacher

• Young People’s Mass Book. 2000. Australia: Harper Collins Religious.
• Bretherton, B. 1995. Praying With Children. Wentworth falls: Social Science Press.
• Hari, A. and Singer, S. (1993) Experience Jesus Today. Understanding the Gospel. France: Editions Du Signe
• Mangan, M. 2002. Be Still - Creation Meditations (CD). Litmus productions.
• O’Brien, K. & White, D. 2001. The Thinking Platform. Marayong: K. D. Publications.
• Perry, M. 1989. The Dramatised Bible. Great Britain: Marshall Pickering – Bible Society.
• Reehorst, J. 1986. Guided Meditations For Children.Iowa: Wm. C. Brown Publishers.
• Ryan, M. 1999. Religion Quick Prints. Katoomba: Social Science Press
• White, D. et al 2003. Into The Deep. Marayong: K. D. Publications
• Wintour, R. 1998. Sacred Celebrations. Brisbane: Mountjoy Enterprises.
• LabOra Worship

Music

• A Child’s Prayer. As` One Voice For Kids. Halloran, D. & Millward, M. (1998). Willow Connection.
• A Family Prayer. As` One Voice For Kids. Bates, K. (1996). Willow Connection.
• May Your Kingdom Come. As` One Voice For Kids. Heard, R. (2001). Willow Connection.

Audio Visual

• The Lord’s Prayer. NEST, West Gosford. (Ph:4341 5467)

Literature

• Wood, D. (1999). Grandpa’s Prayers of the Earth. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.

Internet Sites

• The Lord’s Prayer – Flash Movie.
• Aboriginal Our Father. ttp://
• children can write and print their own prayers.
• ‘My Classes’ DBB RE Teachers Resource Page

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