During our time together we will rediscover and explore the ancient Christian practice of contemplation–and the sense of wholeness and peace that it offers.

During contemplative prayer we center our full attention on the presence of God, on the will of God, and on the love of God. We will use two prayer forms Centering Prayer (a method designed to facilitate the development of Contemplative Prayer by preparing our faculties to receive the gift of God’s presence) and Lectio Divina (a way of sacred reading and listening to the texts of scripture as if we were in conversation with Christ and He were suggesting the topics of conversation). Contemplative prayer is centered on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, by which we can know the presence of God in very real ways. 

The following are quotations about the nature and experience of contemplation, drawn primarily from Christian mystics and authors throughout the centuries.

The secret of Christian contemplation is that it faces us with Jesus Christ toward our suffering world
in loving service and just action. Catherine of Siena
Finding God in all things. Ignatius of Loyola
Looking deeply at life as it is in the very here and now Thich Nhat Hanh

Further reading in preparation for our time together.
We will begin promptly at 6:45pm, to respect the time of those who will need to leave at 8:00pm

What Does “Contemplative” Mean?
The word contemplative has many meanings today. It comes from the Latin roots cum (with) and templum (temple), connoting a sense of the sacred.
Stated simply, the classical tradition understands contemplation as a loving quality of presence in which one is open to things just as they are in the present moment.
In Christianity and other traditions that understand God to be present everywhere, contemplation includes a reverence for the Divine Mystery, “finding God in all things,” or “being open to God’s presence, however it may appear.” When referring to prayer or other spiritual practices, contemplation is classically distinguished from meditation.
Generally this means that meditation seems like something we “do” by means of our own effort and intention, while contemplation always seems to come as a gift. Further, the reverence for mystery implies an openness to unknowing, a willingness to be led and guided by God without having to comprehend what is happening.
In this understanding, contemplation is in no way opposed to action. In fact, our sense is that truly effective, responsive action in the world needs to be undergirded and informed by contemplative awareness.
Also, although silence and solitude play a role in the contemplative life, contemplation does not mean withdrawing from the world. On the contrary, it is a responsive, participative presence in and with God, oneself, one’s neighbors, and all creation. Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation

Small Group Norms
Listen attentively, honor spaces between words, let each other finish.
Use “I” statements rather than “ we or “they”
Commit to confidentiality
Self disclosure appropriate to focus and trust level
Say only what you really think and feel
Respect time and timing
Be responsible for your own learnings
Resist moving into discussion, debate or problem-solving
Look forward to seeing everyone!Peacefulness

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