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 26, 2009

Jane's Testimony

The following is a brief reflection written by Jane Gray York, president of the board of directors for the Community of the Lamb. The words she has to say about a faith response to the global economic conditions are neither naive nor glib, but words out of her direct experience and the wisdom that has come to her through faith. Jane has the life credentials to speak to us all these challenging and encouraging words.

Philippians 4:6-7
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

During this time of recession in our country and our world where we don’t know what is coming next, it is more important than ever to turn to Jesus, who is the one we can depend upon to care for us. I am a person who likes things in order. I like to know what will happen, look ahead, make plans and have them work out.

But life isn’t like that. The Holy Spirit frequently changes the lesson plans to teach flexibility and to trust in the Lord one day at a time. I have found that by praying the Prayer of the Lamb each day I have let go of the need to control my circumstances, to live each day fully one day at a time, and to cease “futurizing.” If I am worrying about the future, I am not living today. I’m not staying in the moment. This prayer has helped me to adjust to big changes in my life when the tendency is to try to hang onto the familiar.
I’m 77 years old, my husband has dementia, our retirement nest egg has been lost to the stock market, and I am asking the Lord for direction as to how I can earn money at home. However these events do not determine how to respond to the events. The way in which I respond to these events will direct and influence the events more than the events themselves.

Because prayer, scripture and giving to others has been a larger part of my life, of my abiding in Him and His abiding in me, I am learning to live trusting that the Lord will provide what we need when we need it. Prayer helps me to let go, and to keep the garden of my heart weeded and fed each day with love, peace, joy, and hope so I can live each day with energy and gratitude.

Philippians 4:19-20
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God be glory for ever and ever. AMEN.

Jane Gray York

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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.