Brothers' Prayer" ministry
Since the Second Vatican Council, the Church has felt the need to broaden the notion of prayer. We are all familiar with personal prayer, conjugal prayer, family prayer, community prayer… but much less so with the “prayer of the brothers”, which in recent years has gone from being a rare practice to a prayer desired by all.
The brothers’ prayer is usually lived out with three people, two of whom are “praying”, listening to and carrying the intentions of the third person.
It’s about “ being surrounded for a few moments by Christian brothers, entrusting yourself to their intercession before the Father, hearing them pray aloud for you, listening to the Holy Spirit speak and seeing him act: this is the marvel offered by the brothers’ prayer”.
(“La prière des frères” by Fr. Ardiller) a form of brotherhood in prayer.
The Word of God speaks of this as it promises us the Father’s mercy and his action in our lives.
“I tell you again, if two of you agree on earth to ask for anything, it will be granted them by my Father in heaven. For when two or three are gathered together in my Name, I am there in their midst. “.
(Mt 18:19-20)
But it is perhaps the biblical text of the wedding feast at Cana that best illustrates and gives meaning to the brothers’ prayer: Mary intercedes for her son, and God responds to the specific needs of his children. Just as Mary intercedes so that the jars may be filled with wine, the pair intercede with God on behalf of their brother.
” Mary, knowing that her Son has the power to respond to her request, relies on the merciful heart of her divine Son to come to the aid of mankind.”
explains Fr. Ardiller.
The course of a session is simple:
In a place conducive to meditation, the pair and the person who wishes to receive the prayer first express who Jesus is for them: "Lord Jesus, for me You are...".
Then the brother who asks for prayer shares a prayer intention that is close to his heart for another person or for a specific situation. Those listening pray spontaneously, echoing the shared intention. Then, like Jesus to Bartimaeus, the blind man of Jericho, prayers can ask: "What do you want the Lord to do for you today, right now?"
The brother requesting prayer then expresses a prayer intention that concerns him personally. Those listening may lay hands on him, or place a hand on his shoulder, and again say a prayer for him. The brothers' prayer concludes with a common prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary or other).
When?
1st Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. by prior request
Where?
at Salon Rouge
Priest in charge
P. François LAPOINTE OMV
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Contribution to the Mass
Ask the Sanctuary of Saint Rita for a mass for your intentions, commemorating the Eucharist and the presence of Christ.
Lighting a candle
Candles burn ceaselessly, symbolizing our prayers and thanksgiving for our lives to become light.
Prayer intention
Saint Rita, patron saint of lost causes, welcomes your intentions and thanks, and may fraternal charity strengthen our prayer.