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 join us and St Stephen’s Cathedral Schola in reflecting on Psalm 42, Sicut Cervus by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594). This moving prayer expresses a deep longing for God. At times, we may feel distant from Him, especially during difficult moments, much like a deer searching for water. Despite facing challenges in life, we hold onto memories of joy and worship. We place our faith in God, confident that He will provide salvation and we will once again offer praise. Let us entrust ourselves in God’s unwavering presence and support. So, let’s pray.
Sicut Cervus – Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594)
As the deer longs for running streams, so my soul longs for you, O Lord. (Psalm 42)