Staff Prayer at the Beginning of a New Year: Term 1 2014 (2 pages, 10-15 mins)

Leader: We begin with the Sign of the Cross, the symbol of Jesus that marks us as His followers. As we make the Sign of the Cross on our bodies we say the names of the Holy Trinity - an outward gesture of our belief in the Creator God, Jesus the Christ/Saviour, and the presence of Holy Spirit. Invite teachers to demonstrate the Sign of the Cross using their native languages, then together make the Sign of the Cross in either English or Maori. At the start of this new year of teaching and learning, we welcome one another staff and children - with joy and enthusiasm and the hope that our time spent together will bring us all to a deeper understanding of our God, of each other and of creation. This should then inform the way we think, the way we act and the way we relate with one another. Let us listen to the Word of God and then reflect together.

A reading from the First Letter of John Little children, let us love, not in word or speech,

but in truth and action. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us,

we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask,

because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.

And this is his commandment,

that we should believe in the name of his son Jesus Christ

and love one another, just as he has commanded us.

All who obey his commandments abide in him,

and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us,

by the Spirit that he has given us.

The word of the Lord.

Reflection (shared or silent)

This cartoon featuring Pope Francis was circulated around Christmas time. What is it saying? Let us reflect on what it can mean for us.

Are we able to recognise the face of God among us in the crowd?

Is the love that we give generous and overflowing, or is it only for a select few?

Do we see the face of God in the children in our classroom?

Do we recognise Gods gifts to us through our colleagues in the staff room?

Suggested music to listen to: I See Christ in You Chris Skinner (Serenity CD)

Leader : We ask for the graces of insight, right judgement and wisdom so we may recognise God-with-us and for courage and confidence to respond with love.

Teacher 1: Abba, Father, the marvels of your creation fill us with wonder, praise and joy. During 2014 may we show our love and reverence to you by being people who care for all that you have created and by encouraging others to do the same. All: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. Teacher 2: Jesus, you always welcomed people with Gods love and they came to you for healing, truth and the light of faith. Help us this year to be like you, that we can live and teach and learn your ways and your life. All: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. Teacher 3: Holy Spirit of God, you continually make present to us Gods love and his gifts for us. During this school year, open our minds and our hearts, fill us with courage to do what is needed, wisdom to choose what is right and fair, and help us all to be people of joy and peace. All: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. Leader: Let us now stand and link our hands together in prayer as we say together the Lords

Prayer : Our Father...

May the blessings of God be with us and be given through us during this term and all throughout

the year. We make this and all our prayers through Christ our Lord, Amen.

http://keepingcompany.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/wpid-img_55349850460744.jpeg

End with the Sign of the Cross in Maori.