SUGGESTIONS FOR PLANNING
PRAYER SERVICES & SACRED SPACE

During the course of the year, each group is asked to plan and execute either the sacred space, opening liturgy, or closing liturgy on a rotation basis as listed on the Table Packet. In your planning, keep in mind coherency regarding the Biblical theme. Consult liturgical calendars as a tie-in for the season. Avoid simply assigning a person to “do” the planning. Work as a group. Plan during breaks or lunch. If necessary, consult with one another by phone. Be free to call on the talents of others in the Bible Institute, e.g., artists, lectors or musicians. Plan well in advance of your group’s assigned date.

SACRED SPACE:

Sacred Space is a visual aid that helps one get in touch with the holy in our lives. The Sacred Space flows from the Biblical theme for the day and may also express the liturgical season by color and symbol. Use good taste and appropriate symbols. Set up the sacred space in a visible location. You may use materials that have been collected and stored by the team or provide your own. The Sacred Space may include the following:

• The Bible
• Candle(s) in appropriate liturgical colors. Candle(s) are lit at beginning of each session. Due to fire regulations, extinguish candles when room is unoccupied.
• Religious symbols (e.g., water, rocks, ashes, palms, etc.)
• Cloth coverings of various textures and colors
• Plants and/or flowers
• Crucifix (for New Testament series)

OPENING AND CLOSING PRAYER LITURGY:

The prayer services are closely linked with the theme for the day and the liturgical season. Through song, readings, processions, etc., the entire gathering becomes actively engaged in the liturgical ritual. A careful selection of readings, music and symbols with appropriately formulated responses and rituals help facilitate the service. The opening service serves to draw all present into an experience that opens them to the Spirit speaking through the day’s activities. The closing service concludes the day with a shared encounter with God and one another based on the revelation of the day. Some suggestions for the prayer liturgy are as follows:

• The prayer liturgy may contain contemporary or traditional material. It may follow a conventional format or be original. It may be quiet or spirited as long as it leads the community to worship together.
• Use a variety of resources, readings, prayers, hymns, etc.
• Use inclusive language for people and expansive language for God. For example, use such phrases as “brothers and sisters” instead of only “brothers,” “people of God” instead of only “men.” In addition to “Father,” use other biblical images such as “Rock of Salvation,” and the “Holy One.”
• Materials to be photocopied must be sent to Sr. Clare Melody at the Office of Religious Education, 3424 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010, (213) 637-7358 no later than one week prior to the Bible Institute session for which your group is responsible.
• Give short instructions to the assembly before and not during the worship.