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Please join me this summer as we explore...

Contemplative Prayer

“Be still and know that I am God”

Ps 46:10

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WHEN & WHERE:

• Gatherings begin Thursday June 8th, 2023

• Six Thursday evenings, meeting every other week / Jun - Aug / 7-8:30pm

• Location: Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, IL (Family Worship room)

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HOW WE WILL SPEND OUR TIME

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​During our time together...

• We’ll explore- what is contemplation and how is it different from meditation or other ways of praying

• We’ll ponder together- is contemplative prayer just another prayer method, or is it an invitation and movement of God

• We’ll consider some of the phase/stage models and movements in prayer from our Christian tradition

• We’ll share & discuss the book chapters and your discoveries

• Most importantly - we will practice together, as we learn from Jesus! Not just talk about, but do

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This class might not be for everyone- pray...notice...listen

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How might I know if  God's inviting me to explore contemplative prayer?

• Are you longing for more quiet, less words or yearn for simple silence & stillness

• Have some of your faithful practices been feeling dry or stale

• Do you feel drawn to some of the chapter topics below, even if you're not sure why

• Begun to notice a desire to “do” less and just “be” with God

• Struggling in your prayer time with a busy & distracted mind

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SCHEDULE & TOPICS:

Class 1 – June 8th – God is our Homeland/Parting the Veil: The Illusion of Separation

Class 2 - June 22nd – The Wild Hawk of the Mind

Class 3 – July 6th – The Body’s call to Prayer

Class 4 – July 20th – The Three Doorways of the Present Moment

Class 5 – Aug 3rd – The Riddles of Distraction

Class 6 – Aug 17th – From Victim To Witness/Practicing with Affliction

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TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE

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RESOURCE needed for this class: 

​Into the Silent Land; A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation by Martin Laird

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      Please purchase the book on your own, so that you have it before the first class.

      (Come to our first class having read the Intro & Chapter 1)

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OPTIONAL Reading:

If you are newer to contemplation, you might find it helpful to read this book in preparation:

Contemplative Prayer; Praying when the well runs dry  by Joann Nesser

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But when you pray,

go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.

Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans,

for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

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Mt 6:6-8

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