Session 8: Prayer & Devotions

Download the Leader’s Guide: Going Deeper

Opening Prayer:
Loving God, send your Spirit to open our hearts to Jesus.
Guide us to a deeper conversion.
Grant us a greater appreciation of the beauty of our Catholic faith.
Give us the courage and confidence to joyfully share our faith with others.
May your Church be a beacon of light for all who seek your loving presence.
Be with us now as we explore our prayers and devotions.
Mary, faithful Mother of God, intercede for us.
We make this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever. Amen.

Scripture:
Matthew 6:5-15
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew …

The Gospel of the Lord:
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Opening Song:

PrayerAndDevotions_Section-1_Header

Video # 1: Members of the Archdiocese of Dubuque

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which prayer form has been most meaningful to you?
  2. When has prayer been most important in your life?
  3. Have you ever felt like you’ve failed at prayer?
  4. What type of prayer would you like to try or to grow in?

PrayerAndDevotions_Section-2_Header

Video #2: Members of the Archdiocese of Dubuque

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which devotion do you remember most fondly from childhood (if you were raised Catholic)?
  2. Which devotion do you ÿnd most intriguing? Which devotion seems strange to you (especially if you are not Catholic nor raised Catholic)?
  3. Which devotion would you like to start in your home?
  4. Pope Francis acknowledges the importance of devotions to the life of the faithful; have you experienced a special devotion from another culture? Please share your experience.

Conclusion: What difference does it make in one’s life to pray and to participate in Catholic devotions? Please be sure to make time for large group discussion:

 

Closing Song:

 

Closing Prayer:
Loving God, you have called each of us to be formed in your image.Thank you for the gift of your living presence.Grant us a deep desire to be in a living relationship with you through daily prayer.Help us to be men and women who bring your presence to others.Give us the strength and courage to live as the Body of Christ.Make us into people of thanksgiving.Mary, Blessed Mother of the Word Incarnate, intercede for us. We make this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.One God, forever and ever. Amen.