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September Meeting
Dona Nobis Pacem - Give us Peace
The sound of the shofar again called us together for this month’s meeting. After the common Dove meeting elements of gathering we moved to the darkened ‘prayer room’ where the large cross swathed in filmy fabric and flickering candle focus invited us to settle into an intimate time with the Lord.
We were beautifully led in a Taize prayer experience by singers Sarah, Miriam, Donna and musicians Heidi, Richard and Al. Taize prayer is about holding oneself in a presence and letting Christ through the Holy Spirit pray in us. There is a pattern of song, psalm, core biblical reading, longer silence, intercessory prayer and more song. The repetition of simple musical verses becomes a way of listening to God where our being finds unity with Him. These melodies then continue on in our hearts when we are at work, speaking with others or resting and so prayer and daily life are united.
And so it was for I have found myself continuing to sing ‘Come and fill our heart with your peace, You alone O Lord are holy, Come and fill our heart with your peace, Alleluia as’ well as ‘Christe Salvator, Filius Patris, dona nobis pacem’ (Christ Saviour, Son of the Father, grant us peace) over and over again since that meeting. It has been said that singing is praying twice and I love the thought that these simple song lines keep me praying in spite of myself!
There was the opportunity for further peacemaking offered through the sacrament of Reconciliation with Father Joseph and friendship and fellowship were fostered over supper. Indeed it was a mellow, peaceful evening.
