Marianist Studies: Prayer

Course Summary

Father Chaminade asks his followers to devote an hour each day to prayer (perhaps in two or three shorter periods). Each week this course will explore various "methods" or practices of prayer, both individual and group prayer, and collectively reflect on their journey.

Father Chaminade wrote, "Prayer is to be kept with the discretion of a great love." Because many insights will be personal, you will be encouraged to keep a prayer journal. The Spirit of God is always at work, everywhere"”including in our own hearts.

Successful completion of this course earns 2.5 CEU's.

General Course Objectives

• Become familiar with foundational and contemporary Marianist writings on prayer.
• Understand the goal of Marianist prayer.
• Join in exploring different “methods” of prayer, including several developed by Father Chaminade.
• Reflect upon our own experience of prayer.
• Strive with our Founders to make prayer a way of life.

Course Materials

• No books required. All readings are online.

Course Structure and Highlights

• Week 1: In the presence of God . . .
  • Discuss why we pray and how we pray.
  • Examine characteristics of Marianist Prayer.
  • Become acquainted with the Five Silences.
  • Enter into the “prayer of looking.”
  • Learn about and live the “prayer of faith in the presence of God.”
• Week 2: United with Jesus Christ
  • To pray using Chaminade’s Common Method
  • To identify with the idea of “conformity to Jesus Christ”
  • To reflect on the Incarnation in our lives
  • To understand “faith of the heart”
• Week 3: Open to the Spirit of God
  • Recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in our prayer.
  • Examine the relationship of faith and prayer.
  • Discuss obstacles to prayer.
  • Appreciate the practice of "active receptivity."
  • Pray using Chaminade’s Method of Mental Prayer on the Creed.
• Week 4: In the company of Mary
  • To invite Mary to be our companion on the journey
  • To explore Mary’s maternal and prophetic functions
  • To discuss the relationship of community and prayer
  • To use Scripture in our prayer
  • To join in the understanding and practice of the Three O'Clock Prayer
• Week 5: We say, “Let it be with me according to your Word.”
  • Discuss the relationship of prayer and mission.
  • Identify with "the spirit of Mary."
  • Appreciate the concept of "permanent mission."
  • Reflect on how the Marianist journey of prayer transforms us.
  • Join with Mary in her Magnificat.

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