April 29, 2020
Dear St. Mark’s Parishioners,
Our teenagers and Core members involved in Edge and Summit are wise teachers, they continuously challenge me to be a better person. With their love and thirst for weekly prayer opportunities, they all have inspired this Pray Your May “Challenge”.
This calendar is an invitation to enter into a month that is centered around prayer. Some of you may have done many of these prayers before- fantastic! For others, the majority of what is on the calendar might be completely new- equally fantastic! This is a chance for all of us, whether we have a regular prayer routine or not, to open our eyes anew to different prayers offered by our Catholic Tradition.
The goal of entering into this challenge is not to pray the most days consecutively or to be the best at prayer. We remember what Christ tells us in Matthew 6:5-6, “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” We don’t pray so that others will see us and think we are holy. We pray so that, God willing, through our discipline of prayer, others may one day see Christ in us and be drawn to His abundant love and mercy.
If you are full of courage and looking to enter this challenge, fabulous! However, I highly recommend finding an “accountabilibuddy” a.k.a. another person who you commit to praying through the month with and who will hold you accountable to your desire to strengthen your prayer life. It could be another member of your family, a friend from church, or I am always here for any of you and I’m happy to check in with anyone who wants to share their journey. You don’t have to physically pray with that other person, though that does sound nice, but your accountabilibuddy is meant to be someone you can talk with about your experience; someone you can share your struggles and triumphs with, without judgement.
I’m looking forward to us praying our May together!
In peace and gratitude,
Hollis Cornelissen Youth Minister
1 Below you will find the date, the corresponding invitation to prayer and the prayers of the day in case they are new! There’s no shame in looking up words, in fact, it can deepen our prayer.
Friday, May 1 - Start your morning by slowly praying an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. Pay close attention to your words.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 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. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
2 Saturday, May 2 - Take some time today to find a quiet place and pray the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. Spend a few minutes in silence
Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.
3 Sunday, May 3 - Pray the Nicene Creed aloud during Mass, listen to the words. Do you believe them? Pray it again before bed.
Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:by the power of the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is adored and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
4 Monday, May 4 - Pray the Humble Hearts Grace prayer with your family before each meal today. Reflect on the meaning of humility.
Humble Hearts Grace (By: anonymous source)
In a world where so many are hungry, May we eat this food with grateful and humble hearts; In a world where so many are lonely, May we share this friendship with peaceful and joyful hearts. Amen.
Tuesday, May 5 - Pray the Magnificat with Mary. How often do you praise God and rejoice because of God's total love for you?
Magnificat
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever. Amen. 5 Wednesday, May 6- Write a list of everything you are grateful for before you go to bed tonight. Give thanks to God for them.
Thursday, May 7- Follow instructions for Praying with the Body. What is the relationship between your prayer and your body?
Instructions for Praying with the Body - Trinity Sequence
*Only take part in this sequence if you feel physically able. If you are not able to follow the sequence, very slowly make the Sign of the Cross before praying the Glory Be. Repeat three times. *
1. Inhale and raise both arms forwards and upwards, as you look up, reaching and stretching, expressing relationship with God, our Creator. 2. Then Exhale and lower the arms out to the sides at shoulder level, with the palms up, to form a cross. Hold them there and turn your attention to Jesus, our Redeemer. 3. The third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit or Sanctifier, we experience both within us and among us. Inhale and bring your hands inward towards the heart-center. Then exhale and reach forward, with palms up in a receptive position. 4. Finally, return the hands to a folded prayer position at your chest 5. Repeat the sequence three times.
6 Friday, May 8- Set an alarm on your phone for noon and 6PM. Pray the Angelus. How can you say, "Yes!" to God today like Mary did?
The Angelus
The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
Hail Mary . . .
And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary . . .
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
7 Saturday, May 9- Pray "The Coronavirus Prayer." Offer intentions for those who are suffering during this time.
The Coronavirus Prayer
Loving God, Your desire is for our wholeness and well being. We hold in tenderness and prayer the collective suffering of our world at this time. We grieve precious lives lost and vulnerable lives threatened. We ache for ourselves and our neighbors, standing before an uncertain future. We pray: may love, not fear, go viral. Inspire our leaders to discern and choose wisely, aligned with the common good. Help us to practice social distancing and reveal to us new and creative ways to come together in spirit and in solidarity. Call us to profound trust in your faithful presence, You, the God who does not abandon. Amen.
Sunday, May 10- Thank your mother! Pray at least one decade of the joyful mysteries of the Rosary in honor of Mary.
For guidance on how to pray the Joyful Mysteries from the Vatican check out this website: http://www.vatican.va/special/rosary/documents/misteri_gaudiosi_en.html
Or ask someone who prays the Rosary to guide you through it!
8 Monday, May 11- Pray "The Hope of Spring." Write or create something that shows what gives you hope. Place it where you will see it daily.
The Hope of Spring
God, thank you for Spring and the hope of warmer, longer, brighter days. Thank you for the coming of growth and life and birth. Thank you that things are coming awake in the world. This is what our calendar says, and we do see some signs that it is real. But we also still struggle with the residual layover of winter. Now we ask that you bring into reality all that belongs in this season.Your word says that we will have provision, and hope, and joy, and health and loving relationships here and now in this life. We ask that what belongs in this season would become actual in our practical lives. We hope in you and in your promises. We hope in your gift of Spring. Amen.
Tuesday, May 12- Go on a walking meditation outside. How is God speaking to you in the silence?
Guidelines for A Walking Meditation:
1. As you begin, walk at a natural pace. Place your hands wherever comfortable: on your belly, behind your back, or at your sides. ○ If you find it useful, you can count steps up to 10, and then start back at one again. If you’re in a small space, as you reach ten, pause, and with intention, choose a moment to turn around. ○ With each step, pay attention to the lifting and falling of your foot. Notice movement in your legs and the rest of your body. Notice any shifting of your body from side to side. ○ Whatever else captures your attention, come back to the sensation of walking. Your mind will wander, so without frustration, guide it back again as many times as you need. ○ Particularly outdoors, maintain a larger sense of the environment around you, taking it all in, staying safe and aware. 2. If you find it useful, you can count steps up to 10, and then start back at one again. If you’re in a small space, as you reach ten, pause, and with intention, choose a moment to turn around.Now for a few minutes, expand your attention to sounds. Whether you’re indoors, in the woods, or in a city, pay attention to sounds without labeling or naming, or
9 getting caught up in whether you find them pleasant or unpleasant. Notice sounds as nothing more or less than sound. 3. Shift your awareness to your sense of smell. Again, simply notice. Don’t push or force yourself to feel anything at all, just bring attention to the sense of smell, whatever you discover. 4. Now, move to vision: colors and objects and whatever else you see. Patiently coming back each time something grabs your attention, or even if something needs addressing, like avoiding an obstacle. Staying natural, not overly rigid, not daydreaming and drifting, but with sustained awareness. 5. Keep this open awareness of everything around you, wherever you are. Nothing to do, nothing to fix, nothing to change. Fully aware, and walking. 6. In the last moments, come back to awareness of the physical sensations of walking, wherever else your mind found itself throughout the practice. Notice your feet again touching the ground. Notice again the movements in your body with each step.
Guidelines from mindful.org : https://www.mindful.org/daily-mindful-walking-practice/
Wednesday, May 13 - Write and send an encouraging letter or email to someone you know who may be lonely and isolated.
Thursday, May 14 - Read today's Gospel, Jn 15:9-17, on this Feast of St. Matthias, twice at a slow pace. How are you living Jesus' command in your life? http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051420.cfm
Friday, May 15 - Find a song that is meaningful to you. How is that song like a prayer? Listen to, sing or pray the song.
Saturday, May 16 - Watch "The Jesus Prayer Explained" and try out the prayer using Rosary beads.
The Jesus Prayer Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2d9btNpZ3Q
The Jesus Prayer *Inhale "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,” *Exhale “...have mercy on me, a sinner."
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Sunday, May 17- Pray the prayer "At the Beginning of the Day" when you wake up. Notice how it makes you feel.
At the Beginning of the Day
O God, I find myself at the beginning of another day. I do not know what it will bring. Please help me to be ready for whatever it may be.
If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. If I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly.
I pray just for today, for these twenty-four hours, for the ability to cooperate with others according to the way Jesus taught us to live. "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." May these words that he taught us become more than words.
Please free my thinking and feelings and the thinking and feelings of others, from all forms of self-will, self-centeredness, dishonesty, and deception. Along with my brothers and sisters, I need this freedom to make my choices today according to your desires. Send your Spirit to inspire me in time of doubt and indecision so that, together, we can walk along your path. Amen.
- J. Veltri, S.J.
11 Monday, May 18 - Take some time today to find a quiet place and pray the prayer of St. Dominic. Spend a few minutes in silence.
The Prayer of St. Dominic
May God the Father who made us bless us. May God the Son send his healing among us. May God the Holy Spirit move within us and give us eyes to see with, ears to hear with, and hands that your work might be done. May we walk and preach the word of God to all. May the angel of peace watch over us and lead us at last by God's grace to the Kingdom. Amen.
Tuesday, May 19 - Pray "Fall in Love" by Pedro Arrupe. What are you in love with?
Fall in Love
Nothing is more practical than finding God, than falling in Love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, whom you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in Love, stay in love, and it will decide everything. - Attributed to Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ
12 Wednesday, May 20 - Carve out 20 minutes in the evening to pray the Examen.
St. Ignatius Loyola's Examen is an opportunity for peaceful daily reflective prayer. It invites us to find the movement of God in all the people and events of our day using simple, reflective guidelines.
Begin with a pause and a slow, deep breath or two; become aware that you are in the presence of the Holy. Move mindfully through the steps.
1) Prayers of Thanksgiving to God a) Consider- What am I especially grateful for in the past day? 2) Prayers of Petition to God a) I am about to review my day; I ask for the light to know God and to know myself as God sees me. 3) Review My Day with God a) Ask: Where have I felt true joy today? b) What has troubled me today? c) What has challenged me today? d) Where and when did I pause today? e) Have I noticed God's presence in any of this? 4) In light of my review, what is my response to the God of my life? a) Gratitude? Love? Fear? 5) Look Ahead a) As I look ahead, what comes to mind? b) With what spirit do I want to enter tomorrow? 6) End your prayer with an Our Father.
Adapted from jesuitresource.org : https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/jesuit-a-z/terms-e/daily-examen
Thursday, May 21- Reach out to friends and family members and ask how you can pray for them. Offer God their intentions.
Friday, May 22- Settle yourself in a prayerful way. Listen to the song, Your Love is Strong. What messages do you hear?
Jon Foreman’s Your Love is Strong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-g4uwQlXKw
13 Saturday, May 23 - Find your favorite Scripture passage. Use it to pray Lectio Divina.
Lectio Divina
● Read. Pick any passage in Scripture. Slowly, thoughtfully, savor the Word. Linger
whenever a word or phrase touches your heart.
● Read. Reflect. What is God saying to you in this passage? Offering you? Asking you?
● Read. Respond. Respond to God from your heart. Speak to God of your feelings and
insights. Offer these to God.
● Read. Rest. Sit quietly in God’s presence. Rest in God’s love.
For more information on Lectio, go to the source: https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/listening-for-god-in-scripture/
14 Sunday, May 24 - Go on a walk in the woods if you are able and stop to pray the "Beauty of Nature" halfway through.
The Beauty of Nature
O God, we thank you for this earth, our home;
For the wide sky and the blessed sun,
For the salt sea and the running water,
For the everlasting hills
And the never-resting winds,
For trees and the common grass underfoot.
We thank you for our senses
By which we hear the songs of birds,
And see the splendor of the summer fields,
And taste of the autumn fruits,
And rejoice in the feel of the snow,
And smell the breath of the spring.
Grant us a heart wide open to all this beauty;
And save our souls from being so blind
That we pass unseeing
When even the common thorn bush
Is aflame with your glory,
O God our creator,
Who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
- Walter Rauschenbusch
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Monday, May 25 - Seek out small acts of kindness to do around the house. Offer them to God.
Tuesday, May 26 - Read Ps 139:13-16. Tell yourself in the mirror how awesome you are!
Wednesday, May 27 - Write your own personal prayer to God. What is the process like?
Thursday, May 28 - Listen to the song, I Shall Not Want. Read the lyrics as a prayer.
Audrey Assad’s I Shall Not Want https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgqDY1whzoc
I Shall Not Want Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Audrey Assad / Bryan Brown From the love of my own comfort From the fear of having nothing From a life of worldly passions Deliver me O God From the need to be understood And from a need to be accepted From the fear of being lonely Deliver me O God Deliver me O God And I shall not want, no, I shall not want When I taste Your goodness, I shall not want When I taste Your goodness, I shall not want From the fear of serving others Oh, and from the fear of death or trial And from the fear of humility Deliver me O God Yes, deliver me O God And I shall not want, no, I shall not want When I taste Your goodness I shall not want No, I shall not want, no, I shall not want When I taste Your goodness I shall not want When I taste Your goodness I shall not want I shall not want I shall not want
16 Friday, May 29 - Pray The Stations of the Cross. How is the journey for you now that it is almost the end of Easter?
The following are virtual options provided by St. Mark’s: Catholic Relief Services Stations of the Cross- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew0d8fjJhCQ&t=203s
Stations of the Cross for the Family- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXDE_VXJAlE&t=1s
Stations of the Cross for Our Time- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeI3NQEOR-Y&t=9s
Saturday, May 30 - Pray the Prayer of Surrender from St. Ignatius. Are you able to put full trust in God? Why or why not?
Suscipe (Prayer of Surrender)
Take Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. Thou hast given all to me. To Thee, O lord, I return it. All is Thine, dispose of it wholly according to Thy will. Give me Thy love and thy grace, for this is sufficient for me. Amen. Ignatius Loyola
Sunday, May 31- Pray the Come Holy Spirit Prayer before each meal you eat. Reflect: What is the role of the Holy Spirit in my life?
Come Holy Spirit
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Happy Pentecost!! Do a little dance because you participated in Pray Your May!!
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