5/20/23 School of Leaders

It was a bright and sunny day at the May School of Leaders at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius of Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens. We came together at Mass celebrated by Father Chuck, then broke bread in fellowship with an array of baked goods, meat/cheese, coffee and juice. Rector Leyla Murillo-Garcia began the session with the Cursillo Leader's Prayer, followed by Deacon Joe O'Connell's spiritual reflection on prayer- the backbone of piety, study and action/evangelization.

Deacon Joe explained the five keys or "P's" of prayer.

Preparation: Spend time preparing and gathering what is needed- Bible, sacramentals, journal, pen, etc. Think about what to talk to God about and how beforehand. Set aside a specific time- arises from the determined will.
Place: Find a private, sacred place- in a church, chapel, a room in your home dedicated to prayer or a specific chair. Feel comfortable and think solely on God. Turn off your electronic devices. Silence your heart.
Posture: Stand, sit, kneel and/or prostrate before the Lord.
Passage: The source of where the prayer begins- Scripture verse, icon, spontaneous prayer.
Presence: Let God the Father hold and comfort you. Help Jesus or Mary bring you closer to God the Father.

He explains before we pray to take an action to transition from ordinary to sacred like removing your sandals before entering the room or putting on a veil (ladies). This will allow for metanoia- change of heart to enter consciously into prayer time. Make the day a day of prayer - thinking of and thanking God throughout the day.