On January 3, 2015, the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, Father Adolfo Nicolas, S.J., the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, wrote to all the members about the Re-creating of the Apostleship of Prayer. He had asked their executive directors to undertake a process of renewal of this ecclesial service after 170 years during which the original vision had become in need of new modalities that would be more attractive and compelling to the present age.
That process has led to a new terminology and presentation that is being implemented under Father Nicolas who is the Director of the Apostleship of Prayer as entrusted by the Vatican to the Society of Jesus for administration and promotion. He urges the whole Society to embrace this new presentation "with enthusiasm and to implement it with dedication. Its aim is to create a global network of prayer for the needs of the Church and the world…It makes prayer a true service and an aid to those who are striving daily to meet the world's challenges."
The following explanation is an initial response to Father General's request based on the updated terminology and vision offered by the international executive directors. May our collaboration with their re-creation result in many more embracing this “way of the heart.”
The Apostleship of Prayer is a spiritual union of millions world-wide who unite their hearts each day with the Heart of Jesus. They are responding like others did long ago when "Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted…to be his companions and to be sent out to proclaim the message."(Mk.3:13)
It can be described as a “way of the heart”.
The present day Apostles of Prayer make their response to the heavenly Father in a Daily Offering prayer such as:
God, our Father, I offer my prayers, thoughts, words, actions, joys and sufferings in union with the heart of your Son, Jesus Christ, who continues to offer Himself in the Eucharist for the salvation of the world. May the Holy Spirit, who guided Jesus, be my guide and my strength today so that I may witness to your love. With Mary, the Mother of Our Lord and of the Church, I pray especially for this month's intentions as proposed by the Holy Father.
Or by reciting this very simple Daily Offering: All for You, O Jesus.
One becomes a member by the offering of self in a Daily Offering prayer. Only you can offer your heart.