The first words come from a greeting of Boaz, the great-grandfather of King David, “Boaz. . . said to the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!” and they replied, “The Lord bless you!” (Ruth 2:4) The people’s response reflects the language of St. Paul. In Galatians, he says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen” (Gal 6:18); the Second Letter to Timothy closes with a similar wish: “The Lord be with your spirit” (2 Tim 4:22). The Letter to the Philippians ends with “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit” (Phil 4:23).

 

"The new language, though a bit unfamiliar to our ears, more directly reflects the biblical understanding that, through Baptism, the Spirit of God dwells in us and unites us as one Body in Christ."

Copyright 2010 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

 

"The words and phrases from the scriptures are also an essential ingredient in nurturing prayer language."

- Gianna Gobbi, Listening to God With Children, p. 127

 

- When you respond to the priest or deacon at Mass, will you recall the (above) Scripture citations?

- Do you make notes on your album pages / observations sheets regarding the children’s use of Scripture and Mass responses in their prayers in the atrium?

- How will you start to use the language of the Mass responses in your own personal prayer life?