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.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Winter Course Offerings

Lost In Translation

An evening session of Lost In Translation, beginning Monday, February 1, this course explores key Greek words used throughout the New Testament, their use in conveying the central themes of the gospels, and what they reveal about the spiritual process of salvation, discipleship, resurrection, the work of the Holy Spirit, creation, light, eternal life, etc. We also look at how this deeper exploration of the gospels in their original language can inform an understanding of Christian meditation. No prior knowledge of the Greek language is required. Sitting in silent meditation is a part of each class session as an effective spiritual practice in preparation for reading scripture. 10 Mondays from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Mercer Island.
Register by calling: 206-713-5321 or email PrayeroftheLamb1@mac.com
Suggested donation: $120

New Course Offering: Meditation and Relationship, led by Pieter Drummond

Jesus said, “Love one another as I love you.” To love others sounds simple but in reality it can be elusive. The quality of our life is measured by the quality of our relationships from our children to our friends, clients and co-workers. The dynamics of relationship are driven by our awareness of our reaction to others. The Prayer of the Lamb is a form of Meditation that provides us with a rich spiritual practice in the Christian Tradition. The Prayer of the Lamb supports a process of discovery of the divine in every day life. We discover a sense of fullness and abundance in each moment giving us such strength that we can open more directly, honestly and compassionately with others.

This course includes:
• reflection on how the practice with the Prayer of the Lamb connects with our day to day interactions
• making connections between our experience of the practice and Gospel study, and defining a relationship with Jesus
• support in maintaining the practice through periods of guided and self-guided meditation
• discussion and reflection on self awareness.

“The Prayer of the Lamb is a spiritual practice to open consciousness of the mind of Christ. Awareness is called into relationship with Jesus, which then leads to a foundation for all relationships.” The Rev. Beverly Hosea

Starting: January 25, Monday mornings, 10:00 – 11:30 AM, for 5 sessions.
Location: The Community of the Lamb meditation room at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. SE, Mercer Island
Register by calling: 206-661-1023 or 206-713-5321 or email pieter.stonegroundmeditation@gmail.com or PrayeroftheLamb1@mac.com
Suggested donation: $50

Supper of the Lamb

The 4th Tuesday evening of each month starting in February, the Emmanuel ongoing Prayer of the Lamb group will be devoted to a meditative celebration of the Eucharist. Sitting meditation with the Prayer of the Lamb, Gospel reflection, and intercessions for the world are placed within a simple framework of the Eucharist. All are welcome regardless of experience with meditation. Location: the Community of the Lamb meditation room at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. SE, Mercer Island.

Save the Date! SUMMER RETREAT

A Community of the Lamb 5 Day Summer Retreat is reserved for July 5 – 9 at the Casey Conference Center on Whidbey Island. Five days and four nights in vintage officer’s quarters home with short walk to beach and woodland trails. Daily meditation, scripture study and teaching, with free time for personal reflection. Celebration of the Supper of the Lamb. Participants share meal preparations. Registration will be limited to 15. Call 206-713-5321 or email PrayeroftheLamb1@mac.com with inquiries and to reserve a space.

No comments:

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.