SUGGESTIONS FOR PLANNING
PRAYER SERVICES &
SACRED SPACE

During the course of the year, each group will be asked to plan and execute either the sacred space or the opening and closing liturgy, on a rotation basis. In your planning, keep in mind coherency regarding the biblical theme. Consult liturgical calendars as a tie-in for the season. Avoid simply assigning one person to “do” the planning for the group, but work together as a group. Plan during breaks or lunch. If necessary, consult with one another by phone. Feel 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 us get in touch with the holy in our lives. The Sacred Space flows from the biblical theme for the day and, secondarily, may express the liturgical season. Use good taste and appropriate symbols and colors (avoid non-scriptural feasts like St. Patrick’s, Thanksgiving, etc). Set up the sacred space in a visible location. You may use materials that have been collected and stored by the CBI leadership team or provide your own. The Sacred Space might include the following:

• The Bible (or a Lectionary)
• Candle(s) in appropriate liturgical colors (due to fire regulations, candles may not be lit)
• Cloth of various textures and colors
• Plants and/or flowers
• Crucifix (for the New Testament year)
• Other religious symbols (e.g., water, rocks, etc.)

OPENING AND CLOSING PRAYER SERVICES:

The prayer services should be 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 draws all of us present into an experience that opens us to the Spirit speaking through the day’s activities. The closing service, usually shorter, 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 assembled 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”, and “people of God” instead of just “men.” In addition to “Father,” use other biblical images such as “Creator God,” “Rock of Salvation,” and “Holy One.”
• Give short instructions to the assembly before and not during the worship.
• Materials to be photocopied must be sent to Sr. Clare Melody, R.S.H.M., 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.