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.

This week, we invite you to pray through meditation focusing on the eternal words found in Psalm 103. To meditate is to reflect on and think about God. In meditation we may use Scripture, prayer books, or icons, which are religious images, to help us concentrate and to spark our imagination. So, we invite you to rest your body in a comfortable position. Close your eyes, fold your hands comfortably in front of you, and silently take a deep breath and then let it out slowly. We can establish a rhythm by slowly counting to three while breathing in and slowly counting to three while breathing out. Concentrating on our breathing helps us to quiet our thoughts. Let’s pray.

• Guided Prayer: Psalm 103

  Guided Prayer: Psalm 103

  Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane

  
  Today we will be praying a prayer of meditation, focusing on the eternal words found in Psalm 103. This Psalm is about praising God with all that we are. In preparing for this prayer, focus on being grateful to God for the blessings we receive.

  To begin, find somewhere quiet and comfortable where you won’t be interrupted. Relax all the muscles in your body, beginning with your toes and working your way up through your body. Take three deep, full breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Close your eyes. Focus on God and settle your heart and mind. Keep taking deep, full breaths.

  A praise Psalm of David. In the silence, repeat the words of King David.
  Praise the Lord, my soul; All my inmost being, praise his holy name.

  What do you praise God for today?

  Thanks for joining us today. We hope to see you again soon.