The first priority in Archbishop Mark’s Apostolic Priorities for the Archdiocese of Brisbane, documented in With Lamps Ablaze, is Teaching Prayer. He says, “Often we urge people to pray but don’t really teach them how to pray… Now is the time to teach ways of prayer which are mature and all-embracing. Christian prayer begins not with speaking but with listening; and learning to pray is therefore learning to listen – to listen even to the silences of God. If all we do is speak, then in the words of Jesus we “babble like the pagans” (Matt 6:7). But if we speak after listening and in response to God who always has the first word, then we speak according to the mind of the Holy Spirit. That’s what we need to teach and learn. In the Gospel of Mark, we read that Jesus called the twelve apostles to himself, first of all, “that they might be with him” (3:14). This is where the mission starts: being with Jesus, which is what prayer is.”
Join us for our new weekly series, Let’s Pray, where we invite you to pray along with us. Each week we will invite you to pray a new prayer with us – maybe you don’t know what to pray, or want to pray along with someone, or want to practice your faith through prayer. Our Let’s Pray series is for everyone.
In the Gospels, Jesus heals the sick in every town he visits. Those who are ill flock to his presence, and beseech him for his miraculous touch. Those with faith in God’s healing power are uplifted and healed by his compassionate touch. This week, please join us and Sr. Theresa Maria in praying for the healing of our loved ones who are unwell. Let’s pray.
- A Prayer for Healing
A Prayer for Healing
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Hi, my name is Sr Theresa, a sister of St Paul of Chartres. I serve as Women Discernment’s Leader here for the Archdiocese of Brisbane. I also serve as a pastoral caregiver, especially to older people at the residential aged care. I love the world of care and firmly believe in the power of healing. Today, I invite you to pray with me a prayer of healing for loved ones who are unwell. So let us pray.In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for loving us. We trust in Your power and grace that sustains and restores us. We pray that You will look with mercy on our loved ones who suffer infirmity, sickness or injury that they may be comforted. We ask that You will let your hand of healing and protection be upon them. When your Son Jesus Christ came to live among us on earth, You displayed your power by healing many diseases.
We ask for your holy, healing power now for those we love. We ask that You will provide comfort when fears and anxieties arise. We ask that You will send someone to listen and care when loneliness strikes. We ask that you will ease pain. We ask with faith because we know that nothing is impossible with you, O God. We pray for compassionate caregivers who look after our loved ones. We pray for wisdom and patience as they go about the important work You have given to them. Lord, you are a merciful and loving God.
We ask all these things in your holy name, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Thank you for joining us. I hope to see you again soon.