The Prayer of the Lamb: a form of Christian Meditation

"Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us." This simple prayer in the tradition of the Orthodox Jesus Prayer offers universal intercession for the needs of the world, a Prayer of the Heart that can be prayed without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Ephesians 6:18), and a personal and communal prayer practice that opens the heart to realization of the abundant Mercy of God, the Resurrection Life of Jesus, and the transforming process of Holy Spirit.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Agnus Dei Vol 1:6 Dec 02 O Come, Let Us Adore Him

Luke 2:7
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of
cloth, and laid him in a manger…

“No one has seen or shall see the things which you have seen. The Lord himself has become the altar, priest, and bread, and the chalice of salvation. He alone suffices for all, yet none suffice for him. He is Altar and Lamb, victim and sacrifice, priest as well as food.
St. Ephrem of Edessa (Syria, d. 373)

How amazing that from the very beginning of his earthly life Jesus, the Lamb of God, is found as a newborn laying in a feeding trough, the “dinner plate” for sheep and cattle and beasts of burden! His whole life was offered to feed a hungry world: bread for the hungry multitudes, words of life that fed a hunger even deeper, his own body broken and blood poured out held out to us with the command to consume him utterly. Such is Yeshua’s devotion to us. Such is his commitment to us, and his love for us and for all creation. O come, let us adore him.

One way we express our devotion to the Christ Child, the Lamb of God, is through the offering of ourselves, our time and our attention as we sit with the Prayer of the Lamb. As we offer intercession for the world with its overwhelming suffering and needs, this too is an act of devotion, an act of trust in God’s abundant mercy, an act of trust that what lay in the manger was more than sufficient for all. May our devotion at this Christmas time in particular include intercession for the peace of the world. O come, let us adore him.

Do you remember in the story of the woman at the well (John 4) how after their conversation the woman left Jesus by the well with his disciples and went back into the town to engage in significant evangelism? The disciples urged Jesus to eat the lunch they had brought him, but he said, “I have food to eat of which you do not know…my food is to do the will of the One who sent me, and to complete his work.” In our devotion to the Lamb of God, may we be willing to do the will of the One who sends us to be the place where intercession is occurring and where the ministry of Jesus continues. In that way we too become food, a living sacrifice. O come, let us adore him.

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2024 Course Offerings

At West Central Abbey Meeting Monday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Chapel. 1832 W. Dean Ave., Spokane Regular weekly meditation sessions for meditators of all levels. Each session is self-contained. Reflection on meditation practice in light of a short selection from one of the Gospels supports personal meditation work. Drop ins welcomed. Contact Beverly for information re. dates and classes. bhosea@mac.com ******************************************************************** Other Current Meditation Groups Contact Beverly Hosea for on-line meditation group options.

What is the Prayer of the Lamb

To intercede, at its root meaning, is to go among, to intervene.

Our Lord Jesus Christ encourages us to intercede for the needs of the world that he has taken into the embrace of his love.

We have assurance through Christ’s presence and grace that when we pray we are united spiritually with him to heal and transform ourselves and those who suffer on this planet.

Indeed, our prayers are effective as they affirm that all of creation is of God. Further, in prayer we live out the all-powerful redemptive act of Christ, the Lamb of God, that has been initiated in us through baptism.

In this way Christ has lifted us above time and history and into his realm that with him we may live his ministry of eternal intercession.

The ministry of intercession offers prayers for the whole world.

Consider a liturgy in which faithful persons gather at the Holy Table to offer their intercessions through silence and the mental recitation of a simple prayer -

"Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us."

The persons themselves become vessels of intercession, each person a place where intercession is occurring, an offering and living sacrifice on behalf of the whole world.

Community of the Lamb Offerings for congregations and individuals:

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONGREGATIONS

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Beverly Hosea is available for consultation with clergy and congregational leaders for designing presentations on the Prayer of the Lamb, Introductory Seminars, 12 Week Groups, meditational study of the Gospels, seminars, retreats, and group spiritual direction on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis. Each are structured to the needs of each parish and groupings of participants, and include instruction in the meditational use of the Prayer of the Lamb.

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ESTABLISHING A PRAYER OF THE LAMB MEDITATION GROUP IN YOUR CONGREGATION

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As this ministry of the Community of the Lamb continues to develop, we are finding that people can easily join an ongoing Prayer of the Lamb group or attend a retreat day without prior instruction. In reality teaching the basic practice of the Prayer of the Lamb can be done in a few minutes. The meditation group becomes the steady resource to support those who are new to the practice along with individual meditation instruction with Beverly. Contact the Executive Director to explore how a Prayer of the Lamb meditation group can coordinate with your congregation’s existing programs of spiritual formation. Call 206-713-5321 or email PrayeroftheLamb1@mac.com.

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INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION IN PRAYING WITH THE PRAYER OF THE LAMB

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Individual sessions for instruction in the basic practice of this meditational prayer are available by appointment with Beverly Hosea. Three private sessions provide introduction to the Prayer of the Lamb, guided practice for clarifying and supporting beginning experience with the Prayer, and evaluation for discernment about taking up this prayer practice.

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INDIVIDUAL SPIRITUAL DIRECTION/GUIDANCE

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Many people find an individual relationship with a spiritual counselor/guide/director a valuable resource for personal spiritual growth, integration of practice with life experience and deepening of faith. Beverly Hosea is available by appointment for exploring with you the elements of a rule of life to support the process of life integration.

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Praying with the beads:

Hold the beads loosely in either hand between the thumb and first two fingers. Rest the garland on the thumb and second finger, and use the first finger to reach forward to the next bead and draw it toward yourself. Pray the Prayer in rhythm with the movement of the beads at a gentle and unhurried pace.

Example:
1. Pray “Jesus” as you reach forward to the next bead.
2. Pray “Lamb of God” as you pull that bead toward yourself.
3. Pray “have mercy” as you reach forward for the next bead.
4. Pray “on us” as you pull that bead toward you.

Rhythms may vary. Pick a pattern that fits for you. Be aware of how you are holding the beads, loosening your grip if you notice it becoming tight, slowing down if you find you are speeding it up. Keep a light touch. The more subtle and easy the motion, the more you will foster a sensitive awareness to what is happening in your body with the Prayer. You may find that when attention has gone to passing thoughts, the hand will get more vigorous with the beads. So noticing this and easing up with the hand will help bring awareness back to the Prayer.

The Prayer of the Lamb is a faith practice. We offer the Prayer as intercession for the world, trusting that it is the Spirit of the Resurrection Jesus who is at work; it is God’s mercy that is flowing abundantly. We are simply the place where intercession is occurring.