|
Prayer services
The Eucharist is the sublime way we believers pray; yet there is a galaxy
of events that call for prayer, in which music is often a constitutive
element. Often the religious education director or someone else will approach
us to prepare and design a prayer service. Hundreds of prayer service or
“recipe” books offer to do the planning and work for us. Most do not serve
us well, including gimmicks that seem to try too hard to be clever or,
in the worst sense of the word, “creative.” Alongside this is an addiction
to constantly doing something new and innovative. This disrespects the
human condition and the very nature of ritual prayer itself.
The church already has a rich resource of daily prayer called the Liturgy
of the Hours. While some are discovering this ancient prayer pattern of
the church, it is still either unknown or very rare in most parishes. The
rhythm found here is rich in Scripture and intercession. It is highly adaptable
and entirely appropriate to be led by lay people.
If we embrace this approach, some basic principles should be considered.
First, we should cease using the distinction “paraliturgy.” This is a contradiction
in terms, as there is no “para” or second best in anything we do when we
pray. Whether it is Sunday Mass or a small gathering in a classroom — all
of it is liturgy.
Second, keep in mind who is coming to pray, as this should shape your
decisions. Do not resist the need for some form or structure. All communal
prayer requires shape, development, and conclusion. When this is not clearly
thought through, the service often drifts and dissolves. Have a leader,
someone to guide people through the experience. Always include Scripture,
which should be the primary source of reflection above any other poem or
literary device. Other sources can be included but are always secondary
to the word of God.
Participation must be a priority. Be careful not to pray “at” people
too much. Fashion a dialogue. Include good, strong Christian symbols: cross,
candles, water, incense, oil, Bible, icons — these make up the lexicon
of our prayer and faith. There is no need to replace these with symbols
and signs that may suggest that our Christian metaphors and language are
not good enough. Do not apologize for or diminish our Christian identity.
Repetition is very important and necessary. Most who come to pray are not
addicted to the need for variety as we in leadership tend to be. Discover
prayer patterns that work; resist the temptation to constantly reinvent
the wheel.
When choosing music, make sure your choices are familiar, easily accessible,
and can even be led at times by a person who is not trained musically.
Intercession is an absolute must for any time of prayer. Whether the
intercessions are written previously or offered spontaneously, the need
for people to cry out to God is at the heart of faith. Put together a worship
aid of some kind, including only that which the participants need. Finally,
prepare the ministers (leader, reader, musicians) well. Don’t be sloppy
just because it is a “prayer service.” Think it through and have everyone
well prepared.
As a starting point, consider the following:
-
Opening Song / Call to Worship
-
Opening Prayer
-
Scripture Reading
-
Musical Response (preferably a psalm)
-
Period of Silence
-
“Homily” or Reflection (possible but not necessary)
-
Intercessions
-
Lord’s Prayer
-
Blessing
-
Sign of Peace
-
Closing Song (optional)
If you are looking for some strong resources to stimulate your thinking,
take a look at Prayer Services for Parish Meetings (Jerry Galipeau,
WLP), Increase Our Faith: Prayer Services for Whole Community Catechesis
(David Haas, Twenty-Third Publications), A Time to Pray (David Haas,
GIA), and People of God at Prayer (Bill Huebsch, Twenty-Third Publications).
Such gatherings of prayer are and will continue to become a normative
pattern of life for parishes and other communities of faith. There are
many possibilities, so let us plan, prepare, and make good choices. Any
time we gather to pray, it is important. When we pray well, we come closer
to the unconditional love and friendship of God. ML
David Haas is director of The Emmaus Center for Music, Prayer and
Ministry and campus minister and artist in residence at Benilde-St. Margaret's
High School in St. Louis Park, Minn. As a composer, he has published and
recorded more than 35 collections of liturgical music. He is an active
author, workshop and retreat leader, pastoral musician and recording artist.
SUBSCRIBE
NOW!
What do YOU Think?
Send an e-mail to ML
Editor or post an entry on the ML Current Issue
Discussion Board. (All submissions become the property of RPI and may
be edited for length.) |
|
