The Scriptural Litany of Jesus

Discovering who I am in Christ.

 This Prayer Litany helps us to pray and proclaim the promises associated with Christ’s word spoken to us through John’s Gospel. Each I Am title defines a blessing for us to be recreated in the likeness and image of Christ that was ours before the effects of sin. We lost this blessing through the actions of Adam and Eve that allowed sin to come into the world and our lives.

Christ’s I am Litany delivers us from being egotistic. Our confidence comes from being nurtured and loved through the affirmation of family and from others. The opposite happens through negative criticisms. We lose confidence in our abilities and develop a low self-esteem.

Our self-esteem and self-worth will always remain fragile when we have to rely on the positive affirmation of others. Choosing to proclaim Christ’s as the author of our talents and abilities gives us a new identity that is no longer dependent on the opinions of others. We are free to become the person Christ designed us to be.

Each I Am title renews our baptismal blessings.

Scripture Litany :

The Lord said:

I am the Vine, you are the branches.

Show yourself to us, Lord,

That we may go out and bear fruit

Fruit that will last.

The Lord said:

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Show yourself to us, Lord,

That we may come to the Father.

The Lord said:

I am the Light of the World.

Show yourself to us, Lord,

That we may have the light of life,

And our good works may give glory to the Father.

The Lord said:

I am the Resurrection and the Life.

Show yourself to us, Lord,

So that we may not die forever,

But may share that glory which you share with the Father.

The Lord said:

I am the Gate of the Sheepfold.

Show yourself to us, Lord.

That we may find true pasture,

Have life, and have it to the full.

The Lord said:

I am the Good Shepherd.

Show yourself to us, Lord,

That we may always listen to your voice,

Know you, follow you, and want for nothing.

The Lord said:

I am the Bread of Life.

Show yourself to us, Lord,

That we may always eat this bread worthily,

Live continually in you, and you in us, and in unity and peace with all men.

Prayer Comment:
In a secular world a self esteem therapist would suggest short positve phrase affirmations for the rebuilding of a person’s self esteem. eg. I am beautiful – I am loveable – I am strong – I am creative and suggest you do this exercise on a daily basis to restore your self confidence.

In a spiritual setting God’s therapist would suggest you pray Jesus says I am the Vine you are the branches , Jesus says I am the vine you are the branches repeatedly over and over again daily for five minutes. On the other days to choose I am the bread of life or I am the Good Shepard or I am the resurrection and the life etc etc .

 

Prayer Comment :
Each I am Title is like a building block of grace renewing and restoring our damaged spirit that has been scarred by other peoples words or comments. We become a new person in Christ. The difference between this prayer therapy as opposed to secular therapy is our wounded spirit becomes permantly healed as God the Father creates and restores us in body , soul and spirit. Secular therapy ministers only to the mind and becomes a coping stragety in times of distress .