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.
Here are the magnificent sounds of the St Stephen’s Cathedral Schola, directed by Christopher Trikilis, in a Gregorian chant Psalm of Praise – Benedic Anima Mea. As you listen, we invite you to pray and meditate on the blessings that God has given each of us. Even when we must confront challenges in our lives or we stray from God, this chant reminds us that God is always there to love and heal us.
The Cathedral Schola was founded in 2000 and is currently a nine member professional choral ensemble. Pope Francis reiterates the importance of Gregorian chant, which holds pride of place because it is proper to the Roman Liturgy. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, let’s pray.
Benedic Anima Mea – Claudin de Sermisy (c.1490-1562)
Bless the Lord, O my soul, all that is within me praise his holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all his benefits. It is he who forgives all your sin, and heals every one of your ills. (Psalm 103)
A Psalm of Praise – Benedica Anima Mea
Benedic Anima Mea – Claudin de Sermisy (c.1490-1562)
St Stephen’s Cathedral Schola directed by Christopher Trikilis
Bless the Lord, O my soul, all that is within me praise his holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all his benefits. It is he who forgives all your sin, and heals every one of your ills.
Thank you for praying with us. We hope to see you again soon.