Praying Together 2021

86 Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. The love of God be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT Let us pray for a greater love of God and others. (pause) Lord our God, help us to love you with all our hearts and to love all people as you love them. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 10:25-28 An expert in the Law asked Jesus a question. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus answered, “What is written in the Scriptures? How do you understand them?” The man replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.’ They also say, ‘Love your neighbours as much as you love yourself.’” Jesus said, “You have given the right answer. If you do this, you will have eternal life.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE What do you think it means to love your neighbour as much as you love yourself? Just as we like to be happy and receive the things we need, we show love to others by helping them to be happy and giving them what they need. Think about someone in your family - how can you show love to that person by your actions? Now think about people outside your family to whom you can show love… someone in your class, someone in your neighbourhood, someone in your sports team, someone at the supermarket. Brainstorm these ideas together. Children might like to share their ideas aloud. DISMISSAL May the love of Christ inspire us. Amen. May God bless us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Ring the bell or chime to signal the end of the prayer. Extinguish the candle. “Love your neighbours as much as you love yourself.” Thursday Week 8 Ordinary Time 27 May 2021