Lent Week 4

How to offer a Zoom Meditation

This method has worked well in providing simple content to parishioners. You will develop your own way of doing this through a process of learning what works best for your group.

A small group of five to ten participants will be very manageable but you may be happy managing a larger group.

Step One: Preparation

Download the scriptural meditation that has been prepared (you will find the link at the bottom of this post, along with an image for you to share). If you are unsure about using Zoom, you can find a simple guide here.

Invite parishioners and friends to the Zoom meeting. Be relaxed and enjoy the opportunity for people to be together in faith. Welcome each person individually and ask them to introduce themselves to the group.

Step Two: Prayer

Assign different people to the various parts.

Begin with a prayer.

Suggested prayer:

Jesus,
As You journey toward Jerusalem, help me to accompany You, to remain in Your presence, to allow You to speak to my heart. As Easter comes closer, and Holy Week isn’t too far out, You always have more. I pray for receptivity and boldness as I continue on this journey of Lent. Come Holy Spirit, increase my faith. Amen.

Step Three: Gospel Reflection

Mount of Olives

A guided Gospel reflection has been provided which can be used individually or with a group.

Ask a reader to read the chosen passage from the Bible (John 3:14-21) or using the guided Gospel reflection above.

Ask a reader to read the passage out loud for a second time.

Then introduce five minutes of sacred silence.

Technical Note: It is possible to ‘mute’ all the participants and it is recommended to do so at this time.

Once the five minutes of silence has finished mark this with an appropriate prayer.

Step Four: Sharing Time

Encourage the participants to share their reflections of the Bible passage on which you are meditating.

No one should feel obliged to share but it’s good to remind people that everyone has something to offer.

Technical Note: Zoom has a ‘hands up’ facility which helps so people can take turns sharing. You will know that only one person can speak at a time. So it’s important to be firm with participants so they don’t talk over each other.

Once everyone who wants to has had a chance to share you can finish the meditation with a prayer.