Please join us for our Contemplative Prayer Gathering
Tuesday Evenings
6:15 - 7:15 pm
Meets in the Wiley Chapel
"...a prayer of silence, an experience of God's presence as the ground in which our being is rooted..."
~Jan Johnson, When the Soul Listens: Finding Rest and Direction in Contemplative Prayer
During these times of pressure, draining schedules, 24/7 fear inducing news, demanding responsibilities and critical decisions, our hearts and souls long for refreshment and peace that only comes from a deep connection with God. We desire a communal setting for worship that will soothe our over stimulated, over ‘agenda-ed’ minds. Sometimes we find this in enthusiastic praise or in the preached Word of God. We also may find such spiritual refreshment in worship which is reflective and contemplative.
Contemplative Prayer is a setting in which we quiet ourselves in order to open our hearts, minds and souls to the ministry and Presence of God within us. It is one way to hear the voice of God with our hearts. Contemplative Prayer waits for God in the silence. Contemplative Prayer is an opportunity to still the internal busyness, finding our spiritual center. Contemplative Prayer practices us in the rhythm of Jesus, a rhythm of moving into prayer and communion with God before going out to engage the world in meaningful ministry.
Contemplative Prayer does not imply that a person must be proficient in a certain skill or spiritual discipline to participate. It simply implies a desire to seek God and to be open to however God might choose to move within our lives. Historically, contemplation has implied two things: fire and love. Contemplative Prayer kindles the inner fire of the Spirit of God. Further, Contemplative Prayer grows us in love and devotion for God. The aim is an intimate relationship which comes from falling deeply in love with One who loves us and gives himself for us.
