Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
March 13, 2002
`Where two or three are gathered': praying with others
By Julie McCarty
As humans, our lives are enriched by the presence of other people. We learn from each other. In brainstorming together, we discover creative solutions. In sharing sorrows and joys, we find emotional support.
Praying together is no exception to this pattern. Although each of us has a need for private, personal prayer time with God, we also have a need to pray together.
Jesus knew well this human need of ours. He taught that we should pray together, even in twos and threes. In chapter 18 of the book of Matthew, Jesus promises, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." Although always with us, Christ pledges a special presence in the midst of shared prayer.
The "Catechism of the Catholic Church" affirms this idea when encouraging families to pray together. We cannot expect children to learn how to pray without the nearby example of their parents. The Catechism also reminds us that small groups gathered together for prayer are "one of the driving forces of renewal of prayer in the Church" today.
There is something about bowing our heads in unison that bonds us together. When we ask God for forgiveness together, we grow in humility. Heavy burdens are made lighter when we pray in the presence of another.
If you would like to pray with your small parish group, your roommate, or a friend who is ill, but don't know where to start, here are a few simple ideas:
Begin and end with the Sign of the Cross. When we pray, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," we call upon the Holy Trinity. Tracing the cross over ourselves reminds us we are called to imitate Christ. Practically speaking, the Sign of the Cross indicates to everyone present that ordinary chit-chat is over and it's time to pray.
Look for written prayers you can pray together. If spontaneous prayer (making up the words as you go) is too intimidating at first, use written prayers. Books like Bryan Cones' "Daily Prayer 2002" or William Storey's "An Everyday Book of Hours" offer psalms and readings similar to the Liturgy of the Hours, but in shortened format for busy Christians. Joyce Rupp's "Out of the Ordinary" offers modern, seasonal reflections with simple prayers for group use. When reciting the psalms, alternate speaking parts between husband and wife, two friends, or two groups of people.
The rosary is another prayer in which various members of the group can take turns leading and responding. The first half of the "Hail Mary" is done by the leader while the rest do the second half. Children enjoy taking turns being the leader for a decade.
Families with young children can find tips for praying together in David Robinson's "The Family Cloister" or Elizabeth Hoffman Reed's "Gathering at the Table" and "Giving Thanks at the Table."
Look for shared prayer activities at your parish. Many parishes have small Christian communities that offer an intimate home setting in which to reflect on the Scriptures and pray together. Some parishes offer vespers (evening prayer). Taize prayer groups offer opportunities to pray simple, reflective, chant-like music together. Charismatic prayer groups form among those especially devoted to the Holy Spirit.
Treasure mutual holy silence. Not every moment of shared prayer need be filled with words or songs. In fact, a slower pace that allows for silence in between psalms or readings helps us open our hearts to listen to God. Centering prayer groups meet to pray in silence. Eucharistic adoration done in silence but with others is also a form of praying together.
Don't forget to pray the Eucharist. The greatest prayer, the communal prayer par excellence, is the Eucharist. When we gather together for the celebration of Mass, "where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them" takes on a tremendous dimension. When we experience Eucharist together, we offer Christ, the best gift of God, to God the Father, and we are also given this awesome gift of Christ in Communion. Eucharist makes us one in Christ. Truly, gathering together to pray in this way brings about abundant blessings indeed.
Julie McCarty is a free-lance writer from Minnesota with a special interest in prayer. Contact her at soulwriting@yahoo.com.
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