Strand: Prayer, Liturgy and Sacraments (PLSFE1)
Foundation
God's presence can be experienced and revealed in special ways through a variety of symbols and symbolic actions within prayer and liturgy.
Investigate and explain the variety of symbols and symbolic actions within prayer and liturgy.
Elaborations
A Christian understanding is that prayer and liturgy are ways of communicating with God through and in word, song, silence, contemplation and symbol. They point to a reality beyond their physical form. Symbols and actions for the Christian community include but are not limited to: the altar, art and icons, bible, blessings, bread and wine, candles, colour, the Cross, Crucifix, incense, movement, objects from nature, oil, the people gathered, processions, religious art, singing and water.
Symbolic actions - Christian rituals are key components of prayer and liturgy. Participating in ritual builds on developing a relationship with God. Examples of ritual: making the Sign of the Cross to signify the commencement and conclusion to prayer; the use of Holy Water for blessings; the use of shaking hands for making a Sign of Peace during liturgy; the lighting of candles to signify God’s presence.
For further examples of symbols and symbolic actions in Christian prayer and liturgy, refer to Catholic Education South Australia. (2017.) Being with God: A Prayer and Liturgy Resource for planning and celebrating the Christian faith in Catholic Schools (see Prayer and Liturgy Tile).
See Learning Lites: Liturgical Seasons and Liturgical Year, Sacraments (see explanation for Sacramentals).
Resources: Catholic Education South Australia. (2017.) Being with God: A Prayer and Liturgy Resource for planning and celebrating the Christian faith in Catholic Schools.
More Information
See Learning Lites: Liturgical Seasons and Liturgical Year, Sacraments (see explanation for Sacramentals).
Resources: Catholic Education South Australia. (2017.) Being with God: A Prayer and Liturgy Resource for planning and celebrating the Christian faith in Catholic Schools.