Primary Session
Luke 9:28-36
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Dear God,
thank you for listening to our prayers.
Help us to take the time to talk and listen to you.
In the name of Jesus we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
During the season of Lent the Church reminds us of Jesus’ teaching on prayer, fasting, and giving alms. The focus for today’s session is prayer. Begin with a prayer chain activity. Give each child a strip of colored paper and a crayon or pencil. Invite the children to write a prayer request to God on the strip of paper.
When the children have written their prayers, collect the strips and staple them together looping each strip around the other to make a paper chain. Discuss:
- What is prayer?
- Why is it good to pray?
- How do you pray?
Allow time for discussion. The paper chain activity gives us an example of how we can pray. Prayer is talking and listening to God. During the season of Lent we make a special effort to pray.
Listening to the Word of God
In today’s Gospel Jesus takes time out to pray. Listen to find out what happens.
Read Luke 9:28-36.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- Where does Jesus go to pray?
- Who does Jesus go with?
- What happens to Jesus while he is praying?
- What did Peter and his companions do?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel.
The setting for today’s Gospel reading is a special time of prayer. This tells us that something important is going to happen. And we find that something awesome does happen--Jesus is revealed in all his glory. Peter and his companions are amazed by what they see. Peter and the other disciples see the divine nature of Jesus. No wonder they want the moment to last!
This Gospel reading points out that Jesus’ is God’s Son, the Chosen One. The glowing change in the appearance of Jesus in today’s gospel also sheds light on what is to come, the resurrection of Jesus.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- Why is prayer important?
- Does prayer have the power to change things? Explain.
- Is there a special place where you like to go and pray?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed with the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Contemplative Prayer
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday when the Church brings into focus Jesus’ teaching on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Praying helps us to grow in friendship with God. When we pray, we tell God what is on our mind and in our heart.
The Church teaches us how to pray. The three basic types of prayer are spoken, meditative and contemplative. Spoken prayer uses words that are recited or sung. Examples are the Lord’s Prayer and the Hail Mary. Meditative prayer may begin with spoken prayer but then it moves on to use the imagination. Contemplative prayer is a quiet awareness of the love of God.
- How do you like to pray?
- When do you like to pray?
- How do you learn to pray?
The Gospel in Life
Make a prayer chain at home with your family. Write a prayer for each day of Lent on strips of paper and attach them to make a prayer chain.
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 26
Kindergarten, page 165
Grade 1, page 253 parish and page 361 school
Grade 2, page 253 parish and page 361 school
Grade 3, page 253 parish and page 361 school
Blest Are We
Kindergarten, chapter 20
Grade 1, chapters 8, 20
Grade 2, chapters 4, 12
Grade 3, chapter 4
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