A bouquet is an arrangement of flowers that are given as a gift. A spiritual bouquet is a collection of prayers, masses, rosaries or good works that are carried out for the intention of another. Though traditionally a Roman Catholic devotion, the idea could be used by any religious tradition. It is a meaningful and very personal gift.
In the book, 365 Mary by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker, the author states, " Unlike the old fashioned spiritual bouquet, yours doesn't have to consist of Rosaries or set prayers. Instead, you could wish someone happiness every time you think of them this week. Or you could vow to remember them with positive thoughts every morning when you brush your teeth." The possibilities are infinite. Be creative. Here's how to get started.
The bouquet is usually presented as a card, though I have seen bouquets made by children that use colorful, huge posters. With card stock as you base material, you can draw flowers, print out pictures or photos, or even make a collage. Include a list of the devotions you will undertake or have already finished for the recipient. For example, the inside of your card could look something like this:
A Spiritual Bouquet For You
1 Mass
3 rosaries
5 days of prayer upon arising or even brushing teeth
or even I will pray for your highest good when I am cooking or washing the dishes
The devotions do not have to be complicated and the list does not have to be long. It is the thoughts and intention that are important. Things are temporary, but relationships and love defy even death. If you know someone who has a big birthday or anniversary coming up, consider giving them a spiritual bouquet. As Kahlil Gibran noted in his work The Prophet, " You give little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give." He goes on to say "there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue; They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space." I believe a spiritual bouquet is a wonderful simile for true giving. Be like the myrtle; give an unseen, but deeply felt gift.
In the book, 365 Mary by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker, the author states, " Unlike the old fashioned spiritual bouquet, yours doesn't have to consist of Rosaries or set prayers. Instead, you could wish someone happiness every time you think of them this week. Or you could vow to remember them with positive thoughts every morning when you brush your teeth." The possibilities are infinite. Be creative. Here's how to get started.
The bouquet is usually presented as a card, though I have seen bouquets made by children that use colorful, huge posters. With card stock as you base material, you can draw flowers, print out pictures or photos, or even make a collage. Include a list of the devotions you will undertake or have already finished for the recipient. For example, the inside of your card could look something like this:
A Spiritual Bouquet For You
1 Mass
3 rosaries
5 days of prayer upon arising or even brushing teeth
or even I will pray for your highest good when I am cooking or washing the dishes
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