World Youth Day USA Guides Retreat Manual | Page 38

OPENING PRAYER
NOTE TO LEADER: You will need a “prayer

Scripture Reading (Lk 6:36-50)

leader.” This could be you or one of the participants.

Reader: A Reading from the Gospel of Luke:

For the Psalm, you will need to divide into two smaller
groups “Side 1” and “Side 2.” It may be helpful to

A Pharisee invited him to dine with him,

divide the large group into two groups from the

and he entered the Pharisee’s house

beginning. To open the session, the official WYD

and reclined at table.

theme song (in English, Spanish, or Polish, or in the

Now there was a sinful woman in the city

language[s] of the participants) should be sung (with

who learned that he was at table

accompaniment) or played (via a recording). Having

in the house of the Pharisee.

Bibles and a worship aid would be helpful.

Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment,
she stood behind him at his feet weeping

Opening Hymn

and began to bathe his feet with her tears.

World Youth Day Theme Song,

Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed

“Blessed Are the Merciful”

them, and anointed them with the ointment.

Opening Prayer

When the Pharisee who had invited him

Leader: Generous and merciful Father,

saw this he said to himself,

you gather us from many places

“If this man were a prophet, he would know

to be here with you.

who and what sort of woman this is who is

You recognize us as your beloved

touching him, that she is a sinner.”

sons and daughters, with all the gifts
and struggles that we bring.

Jesus said to him in reply,

You invite us on this pilgrimage,

“Simon, I have something to say to you.”

as a part of our journey of faith.

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

We turn to your Son, Jesus,
asking him to teach how to be pilgrims,

“Two people were in debt to a certain creditor;

so that we can hear your call

one owed five hundred days’ wages and the

and be ready to follow you

other owed fifty. Since they were unable to

as faithful disciples.

repay the debt, he forgave it for both.
Which of them will love him more?”

We ask this in the name of
Christ Jesus, our teacher, and Lord.
ALL: Amen.
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