3 Mary of the Magnificat

Start:

Allow your body and mind to slow down.  Become aware of the presence of God.

Light the candle which symbolises the light of Christ.

 

Hope: To shape my life to the praise and service of God.

 

Begin with a brief conversation with God asking to be open for the grace which you hope for during this retreat.

 

Introduction:

Like Mary of the Magnificat we praise the Lord for the gift of life.  In an age of concern over public morality, we side with the lowly.

 

Luke 1:46-55 | The Magnificat   

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,

for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done great things for me,

and holy is God’s name.

God’s mercy is for those who fear God

from generation to generation.

God has shown strength with his arm;

God has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

God has brought down the powerful from their thrones,

and lifted up the lowly;

God has filled the hungry with good things,

and sent the rich away empty.

God has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

according to the promise he made to our ancestors,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

 

First Exercise, Lectio: What does the text tell me?

Read the Scripture passage slowly, at least twice. 

If a word or phrase or idea seems important, take note of it.

 

 

 

 

 

Second Exercise, Meditatio: What do I say to God in light of the text?

Allow the important word, phrase or idea to enter your thoughts.

Be with the words, recognising that you are in God’s presence.

Allow the Holy Spirit to lead your awareness of the words.

 

Third Exercise, Oratio: Prayer

Let your heart speak to God.

Use the words of the Scripture passage or the thoughts that emerged during your reflection on them.

 

Fourth Exercise, Contemplatio: Contemplate in silence and quiet.

Let go of words or thoughts and allow yourself to rest in the presence of God

in simple and wordless contemplation.

Listen to God, open your mind and heart to the influence of God.

 

Thoughts to Ponder:

How can I make room for God in my life?

  

Prayer:

Thank God for this time of reflection.

Thank God for the grace that you have received.

 

Loving God,
thank you for this time