L’Arche has many Prayer Groups. People are inspired by the Spirit to join together. Some of them start a group because they have heard Jean Vanier speak. Others have read books by Jean or by Henri Nouwen. Some might have visited a L'Arche Community. And some might have been invited to join by other people. To help them, here are some notes that L’Arche has written. They will help you to set up a prayer group to pray for and about L' Arche.
A Prayer Group is formed when people realise that they want to support L'Arche or that they want to start a L'Arche Community. Somethimes this happens after Jena Vanier has given a public talk or led a retreat. The group might include any of the following:
- Former L'Arche Assistants
- People with learning disablities, their friends, family and carers
- Clergy
- Social workers or other people who work with people with learning disabilities
- People who have been inspired by Jean Vanier's of Henri Nouwen's books
Regular meetings
The prayer group should meet regularly. But not too often if people find that difficult. It is better to be realistic to start with. A meeting every other month may be best, perhaps. As people become involved, you can hold meetings more often.
Where to hold the meeting
Find somewhere quiet, comfortable and warm. You’ll need to be able to make a cup of tea or coffee. Make sure wheelchair users can get to the meeting place easily, if you can. It is a good idea to use a religious picture or a candle. It will remind you that Jesus is present with the group.
Mixing traditions
Try to get people in the group from as many different Christian traditions as you can. This will show that your group is following Jean Vanier’s call to be together. Do this before you try to include people from other faiths. It is best to be sure of your Christian background first.
How to run the group
Try to agree with everyone how the group is to be run. This will show them that it is a safe place where they can say what they want. It will also show that everyone will listen carefully. Agree what time you will start and finish. Stick to those times.
How to organise the evening
It's best to have a plan for the evening. That way you can make sure you spend the time in the best way. For example, you could follow this plan:
- An opening prayer
- A short bible reading about the theme you have chosen for the meeting
- Time for silent thinking. You may want to play some music.
- A short reading about 'L'Arche', perhaps from books by Jean Vanier or Henri Nouwen
- Let everyone talk about the readings. What did they mean to them?
- A chance for people to pray as they wish.
- A final prayer
- A time to talk and have refreshments
It is best to just have tea or coffee and biscuits. Share the costs between the members of the group. This is very important if the meeting is at someone’s house.
Reading and listening
Books by Jean Vanier or Henri Nouwen, and tapes of Jean speaking are a good starting point. Try to agree on the piece you are going to use for the next meeting.
Different sorts of prayer
When you are praying or thinking about what you have read, try different things. You may want to use mime or a picture. You could use an object or some music. This will help everyone to involve their hearts as well as their heads in the prayer.
Personal sharing
Encourage everyone to share their experiences. This will help to bring the group together. It will help them to understand, respect and trust each other. Everyone will have something to say about their life and their spiritual journey. Hearing about them will help everyone to understand each other. It will also show how Jesus is with us in different ways.
Listening
When you are sharing thoughts, make sure speakers are not interrupted. It is very important to listen.
Building a Community
Your prayer group is trying to build a Community. Over the time you meet, the members of your groups should find a real sense of Community. Make sure you welcome new members. They will have been moved by the Spirit to join. Look again at how you run the group when new members arrive. This will make sure they feel part of the Community. This is very important for a L'Arche Community into which people with learning disabilities could be welcomed.
Taking the group forward
After a year or two of regular group meetings your group may want to see if they can become a L'Arche Seed Group. This is the first step to becoming a L'Arche Community. If you do, pray about it first. Then contact the Community Leader of the L'Arche Community closest to you. Ask if you can go and visit. Not all prayer groups want to become Seed Groups. Some continue to support L’Arche by praying. They may pray for an existing L'Arche Community or L'Arche Communities in general. These guidelines should help them, too.