THE HE EP EPIS ISTLE TLE OF OF ST. . JAMES AMES SE SESS SSIO ION N 3 ( (PR PRAYER YER)
INTRODUCTION TO PRAYER • Session 3 is designed to include more small-group discussion (discussion questions provided) • “Trifecta” of themes on prayer Prayer in general • First part of James 1 • Woven throughout James 5 • Confession and forgiveness (Jas 5:16-18) • • Anointing (Jas 5:13-15)
PRAYER IN GENERAL • Exhortation to joy and perseverance • An appeal to perfection Perfection was discussed also in Session 2 • Greek telois (derived from telos , meaning “end”) • • Lacking in wisdom, needing to pray • Asking… in faith
SUMMARY: PRAYER IN GENERAL • Perseverance is connected with praying for wisdom • Perseverance in prayer is a trial to be endured as is perseverance in any other form of trial • To persevere, to pray to God, to ask for and thus to grow in wisdom: this all pertains to the perfection of our very being that God intends for us and for which we ceaselessly ought to strive
PRAYER IN GENERAL: SMALL-GROUP DISCUSSION • When have you been made to persevere in suffering, and how did you do it? • When have you been made to persevere in prayer? • What has been your attitude with regard to prayers answered? • What have you done (or perhaps failed to do) in the event of un answered prayer?
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS • Sacraments of Healing: James’ final word on the matter? • Confession (Jas 5:16) The key verse • We are exhorted to confess our sins • We are taught to do so specifically to one another • And we are taught that doing so brings us healing •
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS • Foundational Scripture texts on Sacrament of Reconciliation Mk 2:5-7 • • Jn 20:21-23 2 Cor 5:18-20 • 1 Jn 5:16-17 • • These texts reveal several truths regarding sin and forgiveness There is deadly sin • Only God can forgive sin • • God has delegated authority to forgive sin to the bishops and priests of the Church We are to cofness our sins to one another • Because only bishops and priests can forgive sin, to whom else ought we to confess • oru sins tub tto them, as they alone (by delegation of God( can forgive them?
CONFESSION: AN ANALOGY • Children playing outside all day….
CONFESSION: A PRIMER • Examen • Confession • Contrition • Absolution • satisfaction
CONFESSION: SMALL-GROUP DISCUSSION • What have been some of your experiences going to confession? • What hang-ups do you have (if any) about going to confession?
ANOINTING • Anointing (Jas 5:14-15) But first…a story from Chewelah • What is Anointing of the Sick (and what is it not )? • • Who can receive Anointing of the Sick, and under what circumstances?
ANOINTING: SMALL-GROUP DISCUSSION • Have you ever been anointed? What did you experience? • Have you ever been present when someone else was anointed? What did you observe and experience?
CONCLUSION • Final remarks • Q&A/discussion • Final Prayer St. Mary Catholic Parish Evangelization and discipleship formation “Be doers of the Word and not hearers only.” (James 1:22)
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