Intermediate Session
Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Luke 9:28-36

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
O God,
thank you for hearing our prayers.
Teach us to pray so that we may grow closer to you.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
During the season of Lent the Church looks to Jesus’ teaching on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The focus for today’s session is prayer.

To begin the session, invite the children to brainstorm ways that they get to know a friend. Write their responses on the chalkboard. Calling the children’s attention to their responses, discuss the following questions:
• How can these responses also help you to grow in relationship with God?
• What is your definition of prayer?
• Why is prayer important?

Allow time for discussion. 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 the Old Testament reading listen to God make a promise to Abraham.

Read Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• What promise did God make to Abraham?
• What happened to Abraham when the sun was about to set?
• What did the voice say to him?

In today’s gospel Jesus goes to the mountain to pray. Listen to find out what happens.

Read Luke 9:28-36.
Allow for silence.

• Who did Jesus go to the mountain with?
• Why did he go to the mountain?
• What happened to Jesus while he was praying?
• How did Peter respond to what he saw?
• What did the voice in the cloud say?

Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings.

In the Old Testament reading Abraham puts his faith in the Lord. God makes a covenant with Abraham, promising him both land and descendants. The covenant is sealed with an ancient ritual during which Abraham falls into a kind of trance. Then God appears in a blazing torch to show him that God will enter into relationship with Abraham and his descendants.

The setting for the transfiguration account found in Luke’s gospel is a special time of prayer, which indicates that something important is going to happen. And something awesome does happen--Jesus is revealed in all his glory. Peter and his companions are mesmerized by what they see. They even contrive a plan to make the moment last. We can understand why Peter and the other disciples want to savor the moment. After all the transfiguration of Jesus has revealed to them just who is in their midst--Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Today’s gospel affirms Jesus’ identity as God’s Son, the Chosen One. And Jesus’ glorious transfiguration sheds light on things to come, ultimately Jesus’ victory over death. As followers of Jesus, the transfiguration also gives us insight into our own capacity for Divine life, as baptized people who share in the identity of Jesus.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Have you ever seen something so spectacular that you wanted the moment to last forever?
• What does this reading tell us about Jesus?
• How is prayer important in these readings?

[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. Today’s readings emphasize prayer with the trance of Abraham and the transfiguration of Jesus while he is praying. It is through prayer that we encounter Jesus. When we come to know Jesus more deeply, we grow in awareness of our union with God.

The Church is rooted in a deep tradition of prayer. 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, the Hail Mary, litanies, liturgical texts and so on. Meditative prayer may begin with spoken prayer but then it moves on to an imaginative reflective process. An example is guided meditation. Contemplative prayer may begin with meditation, but then it moves further away from the self and into a more complete union with God. This type of prayer is ultimately a gift. Contemplative prayer comes out of a desire to be still in the awareness of God’s love.

• How is praying like talking to God?
• How do you like to pray?
• When do you pray with others?

The Gospel in Life
During the season of Lent how can you make prayer a more important part of your life?

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 26
Grade 4, page 253 parish and page 361 school
Grade 5, page 253 parish and page 361 school
Grade 6, page 253 parish and page 361 school

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 26
Grade 4, page 292
Grade 5, page 292
Grade 6, page 292