Thomas keating the essence and heart of centering prayer is consenting to gods presence and action within. The mission of contemplative outreach of northern virginia conova is to teach the practice of centering prayer, help establish and support local centering prayer groups, and organize centrally located events designed to enhance the contemplative spiritual journey. Therese saulnier is a long standing member of contemplative outreach. Contemplative outreach uk exists to teach centering prayer and to support and encourage those who want to develop their spiritual life with this discipline.
We offer resources and programs to support individuals and groups in their spiritual journey and prayer life. We are affiliated to the worldwide organisation contemplative outreach but have no ties to any particular christian denomination. The effects of centering prayer are ecclesial, as the prayer tends to build communities of faith and bond the members together in mutual friendship and love. You can also learn centering prayer and other contemplative practices through an online course. We welcome you as christ there are four online contemplative communities for those interested in learning centering prayer or are already practicing it as taught by. We suggest that if you are looking to join a group, to please contact them using the information below before attending. The method of lectio divina includes moments of reading lectio, reflecting on meditatio, responding to oratio and resting in contemplatio the word of god with the aim of nourishing and deepening ones relationship with the divine. Contemplative outreach was established to bring this ancient prayer practice out of the monastic milieu to those in our contemporary society. Contemplative outreach is a network of communities and individuals seeking the inspiration and guidance of the holy spirit and to make a contribution to the renewal of the christian contemplative tradition through the practice of centering prayer. The intent of contemplative outreach is to foster the process of transformation in christ through the practice of centering prayer. It is an attempt to present the teaching of earlier times in an updated form. Please call or email for meeting times and locations.
Sponsored by contemplative outreach of richmond and st. Weve also indicated a twenty minute sit, which is recommended by contemplative outreach, leaders in the centering prayer movement. Contemplative outreach is a spiritual network designed to nurture the practice of centering prayer and to help build and facilitate prayer groups. Centering prayer is an ancient form of christian meditation that deepens a practitioners relationship with god. Centering prayer is a receptive method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience gods presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than. We are a part of a worldwide spiritual network of individuals committed to living the contemplative dimension of the gospel in everyday life. Centering prayer is a christcentered form of silent prayer, a renewal of the ancient christian practice of contemplative prayer presented in a contemporary form. Centering prayer is an ancient method of christian prayer adapted for modern times by fathers thomas keating, william meninger and basil pennington. The method of centering prayer the prayer of consent pdf if you are new to centering prayer this is an excellent start here guide. Centering prayer groups contemplative outreach of new mexico. The intent of contemplative outreach is to foster the process of transformation in christ in one another through the practice of centering prayer.
Thomas keating, founding member and the spiritual guide of contemplative outreach, ltd. It includes a brief description and background of the prayer, and an overview of the four guidelines with some tips and other getting started info. Each centering prayer session will be followed by a twenty minutes sit to practice the same from the comfort of your home. We welcome anyone interested in practicing centering prayer in a group setting to join an existing centering prayer group.
Centering prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer. Minnesota contemplative outreach is one of more than 120 chapters in 53 countries formed by national contemplative outreach, ltd. For many people, these retreats introduce them to the idea of deep prayer. Contemplative outreach of kansas city we are the kansas city chapter of contemplative outreach, a worldwide spiritual network founded by father thomas keating over 30 years ago. This method of prayer is both a relationship with god and a discipline to foster that relationship. As the 12step program is based on our ultimate powerlessness and dependence on a higher power, centering prayer works well within the 12steps as a means to sobriety, and, more importantly, fulfillment. Louis has been serving the contemplative community in eastern missouri and southern illinois since 1989. Join a weekly centering prayer support and study group. Pdf class notes will be provided by email at the end of the program so that you will have your own notes for further study and reference. It presents ancient christian wisdom teachings in an updated form. It is a unique multiformat programme that provides direct training in contemplative practice as well as a treasury of wisdom from the teachings of thomas keating. More information pdf register through oblate school of theology.
In order to bring the same kind of attention to our spiritual conversations that we bring to contemplative prayer we may need to learn a new way of speaking and listening. Method of centering prayer brochure contemplative outreach ltd. We are a part of a worldwide spiritual network of individuals committed to living the contemplative. Contemplative outreach is the worldwide association established by thomas. Centering prayer is not a trick to reduce stress or reach some other selfhelp goal. Sometimes called consent on the go, rev dr cynthia bourgeault describes the welcome prayer as a powerful path for connecting the inner consent of centering prayer with the outer requirement of unconditional presence in daily life. Centering prayer introductory programs are available on request. Contemplative outreach of central iowa exists for the purpose of supporting our members in their daily practice of centering prayer. Some of those who promote centering prayer employ questionable practices.
Please visit the phoenix chapter website for more centering prayer events and resources. Contemplative outreach northwest through the practices of centering prayer, lectio divina, and welcoming prayer, we bring the contemplative dimension of the gospel into everyday life. The latest issue of the co news is now available, highlighting contemplative service and more. Centering prayer centering prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer by preparing our faculties to receive this gift. The method of centering prayer is based on four simple guidelines. Apr 24, 2017 episcopal priest and writer cynthia bourgeault has worked closely with fr. Choose a sacred word as a symbol of your intention to consent to gods presence and action within. Contemplative outreach is a community of individuals and small prayer groups committed to living the contemplative dimension of the gospel in everyday life. Welcome to contemplative outreach centering prayer. Some practitioners like to preface their centering prayer session with a very short invocation, chant or. Sitting comfortably, but not too comfortably which may induce sleep your back straight and with your eyes closed, settle briefly and then silently introduce the sacred. Contemplative outreach of san diego is an evolving community of people who practice centering prayer, a practice similar to meditation, which has existed within the christian tradition for 1500 years. Keating to teach and foster the practice of centering prayer.
The introduction to centering prayer workshop has four main conferences. We offer various days of prayer and reflection throughout the year, typically hosted by one of our prayer groups. The focus of centering prayer is the deepening of our relationship with the living christ. Please call 703 9754283 or email for information about ongoing or upcoming events. At contemplative outreach atlanta, we teach the method of centering prayer to promote peace, contemplative prayer, and a deeper relationship with god.
Our morning will include two periods of centering prayer, refreshments, and a study of other prayer practices that keep us in relationship with god, creating a powerful path of unceasing prayer. The mystical nature of centering prayer appeals ecumenically to a variety of religions and spiritual beliefs. Jul 15, 20 below is a liturgy for worship with centering prayer. Ways to deepen our relationship with god practice two 20 30 minute periods of centering prayer daily. We offer and recommend prayer groups, prayer resources, retreats and events to support the contemplative life in the midst of ordinary life. We support centering prayer groups across the region and meet their needs with resources, quiet days and retreats to foster the growth of a contemplative community. Contemplative outreach chicago has been serving the contemplative community in northeastern illinois and northwestern indiana since 1989. Consent on the go what god arranges for us to experience at each moment is the best and holiest thing that could happen to us. Centering prayer is a method of prayer, which prepares us to receive the gift of gods presence, traditionally called contemplative prayer.
Centering prayer is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, that is prayer in which we experience gods presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing, closer than consciousness itself. Thomas keating is a founding member and the spiritual guide of contemplative outreach, ltd. Upcoming events contemplative outreach northeast ohio. Extending the effects of centering prayer into daily life 1. Therese shares her experience that before she learned the forgiveness prayer she really did not know how to forgive. Mar 23, 2020 centering prayer centering prayer is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience gods presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.
It tends to build communities of faith and bond the members together in mutual friendship and love. Contemplative outreach northwest contemplative outreach. Our purpose is to help build a vibrant contemplative. Welcome to centering prayer if you are searching for god or for a way to get to know him better, this silent gentle way of praying may be for you. Once every month we offer a 24hour experience of centering prayer practice using the. Rather, it adds depth of meaning to all prayer and facilitates the movement from more active modes of verbal prayer into a more receptive prayer of resting in god. This method of prayer is a movement beyond conversation with christ to communion with him. Method of centering prayer brochure contemplative outreach. We offer programs and support for those who want to deepen their relationship with god through the practice of centering prayer. Centering prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer by preparing our faculties to receive this gift.
Contemplative outreachsan antonio is a communion of small prayer communities and individuals who daily practice centering prayer. Regular meetings are classified according to the day of the week. Doing it together is a liturgy of lectio, because you are deliberately structuring the. There are currently more than ten centering prayer groups meeting around the greater richmond area. This method of prayer is both a relationship with god and a discipline to foster that. Introduction to centering prayer workshop contemplative. This network, also known as centering prayer australia and contemplative outreach australia was inaugurated at the janssen spirituality centre following a national retreat in boronia victoria in march 2009.
We foster the process of transformation in christ in one another through the practice of centering prayer. Mar 21, 2020 united in prayer day a powerful path of unceasing prayer join us and thousands across the world united in prayer. Centering prayer contemplative outreach of portland. Contemplative outreach of central iowa contemplative. Thomas keating this retreat provides an opportunity to form a small community for a long weekend where we will engage in practical activity, study, and extended periods of centering prayer. Like centering prayer, lectio divina cultivates contemplative prayer. This one day workshop for the sw region is designed to provide support to all who serve as facilitators of centering prayer in new mexico, colorado, arizona, and texas. Centering prayer is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience gods presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness. Centering prayer is a modernized prayer method based on the intuitive prayer rooted in lectio divina.
Jan 11, 2020 presenters will be jim bailey, santa fe, and linda smith, canon city, colorado, both members of the facilitator support service team, contemplative outreach, ltd. Centering prayer centering prayer is a receptive, deep method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience gods presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. These commitments transcend geographical, cultural and religious differences. In centering prayer one moves beyond words and images to a form of interior prayer beyond thoughts however noble or pious and the senses. Contemplative outreach of southeast wisconsin center in elm grove, wi. Contemplative outreach of indianapolis offers many opportunities to nourish and support one another in our practice of centering prayer and the process of divine transformation. She has been praying centering prayer for over 30 years and praying the forgiveness prayer for over 25 years.
The idaho chapter of contemplative outreach now has several groups. For example, i first experienced centering prayer during a retreat whose announced topic and method had nothing to do with it. Centering prayer was created by trappists monks in the 1970s. But to see the cloud as pointing us to technique as centering prayer does is profoundly to misread the text.
One yearly event is the united in prayer day that is a shared day of prayer for contemplative outreach communities. You can also read the contemplative outreach vision statement. The christian experience of awakening and of unity consciousness is a true oneness that involves the full participation of our humanity, body, soul and spirit. This method of prayer is both a relationship with god and a discipline. Contemplative outreach of hawaii is the hawaii chapter of contemplative outreach ltd. Centering prayer practitioners respond that bearer of the water of life does not have doctrinal authority, and neither vatican document mentions centering prayer, contemplative outreach, or fr. The north georgia branch of the international contemplative outreach ltd.
Contemplative outreach centering prayer contemplation meditation. Centering prayer liturgy and resources the connection. Discover the centering prayer practice through the spiritual journey courses. We will introduce the method of the welcome prayer practice and, by putting it into read more. Centering prayer, as developed by thomas keating, william menninger, and basil pennington, is a receptive form of silent prayer or meditation. Listen to the word of god in scripture and study open mind, open heart.
Deepening our relationship with god for more background and details about centering prayer, see the centering prayer brochure on the contemplative outreach. From that visit to snowmass sprang the contemplative outreach movement in ireland with introductions to centering prayer and centering prayer retreats being sponsored by st. Centering prayer is a receptive method of silent prayer in which we experience gods presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. Several active prayer groups meeting weekly or biweekly and provide support for our practice. Centering prayer and lectio divina part 1 thomas keating lectio divina is a private devotion and while its useful to do it in common it was originally designed to be a private experience or encounter with the scriptures. The common desire for divine transformation, primarily expressed through a commitment to a daily centering prayer practice. All difficulties in prayer can be traced to one cause.
Resources contemplative outreach of greater cincinnati. The contemplative dimension of the 12 steps led by fr. Contemplative outreach northeast ohio coneo and st. Centering prayer is a method of meditation used by christians placing a strong emphasis on. We also practice and teach lectio divina, the slow meditative reading of the scriptures. Centering prayer, an ancient meditative contemplative method of prayer, is drawn from ancient practices of the christian contemplative heritage, notably the fathers and mothers of the desert, lectio.
To find a centering prayer group in your area, go to our centering prayer groups. Join us for a morning of centering prayer and reflection as we seek to deepen our relationship with god through our relationship with all of creation. Contemplative outreach phoenix a contemplative outreach chapter. Thomas keating instructs practitioners of centering prayer in his classic work on the contemplative dimension of the gospel. We also organize retreats at a local retreat center featuring a theme and presenter.
Join us for a class, prayer time, a retreat or one of our special events. Centering prayer online this page provides a listing of virtual groups affiliated to contemplative outreach in britain that are taking place over the internet using video conferencing tools. Contemplative outreach is a community of individuals and centering prayer groups committed to living the contemplative dimension of the gospel of everyday life. Contemplative outreach is a community of individuals and centering prayer groups committed to living the contemplative dimension of the gospel in everyday life. An introduction to the welcome prayer contemplative outreach. Contemplative outreach centering prayer contemplation. This particular liturgy is written for the height of this day, but could easily be tweaked for whenever your group gathers. Read scriptures regularly and study open mind, open heart. Contemplative outreach of new mexico contemplative.
Centering prayer is a receptive method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience gods presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. A suppor t grou p pr aying and shar ing toge ther once a week h elps maint ain ones commitmen t to the pra yer. Love the lord your god with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind. Centering prayer is grounded in relationship with god, through christ, and is. Contemplative outreach silence, solitude, service, solidarity.
A commitment to the daily practice of centering prayer is the primary expression of belonging. Contemplative outreach of tampabay, centering prayer, tampa. This is the unfortunate conviction that we bring with us. Silent prayer, or contemplation, is a way to deepen a intimate relationship with god. If youre new to meditation, you can start with five minutes, but traditionally. To this day, many parishes host centering prayer retreats or prayer groups, usually sponsored by contemplative outreach. Centering prayer is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience gods presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. Contemplative outreach was established in 1983 to help develop a network of individuals interested in the practice of centering prayer as taught by father. In this webinar, you will be introduced to the concepts and methods of centering prayer.
Contemplative outreach boston does its best to keep this information current and we hope this helps people find centering prayer groups to join. Christophers episcopal church 3200 north 12th avenue pensacola, fl the class welcomes all who are interested in deepening their centering prayer as part of their spiritual. Our mission is to teach the method of centering prayer and to support those whose spiritual journey. Individuals who have attended introductions to centering prayer or lectio divina are invited to start a new group if there is enough interest. Nebraska contemplative outreach be still and know that i. The contemplative dimension of the gospel is defined as the penetration into the spiritual meaning of scripture, leading to an experience of the. Centering prayer is a contemporary name given to an ancient practice of meditation within the christian tradition. Contemplative outreach of kansas city contemplative. Click image to download pdf click image to download pdf. Centering prayer is a method of prayer of silent prayer, which prepares our faculties to receive the gift of contemplative prayer. It is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience the divines immanent presence with us. As a chapter of contemplative outreach international, contemplative outreach of maryland and washington comw is comprised of volunteers and serves maryland, washington, dc and the surrounding area.
Contemplative outreach chapter in colorado teaching centering prayer 303 6987729. It consists of responding to the spirit of christ by consenting to. Contemplative outreach nm is an evolving community with an expanding vision and deepening practice of centering prayer, that serves the ever changing needs of christian contemplatives. Couk is part of the worldwide contemplative outreach movement based in the usa. Thomas keating the essence and heart of centering prayer is consenting to gods. Human condition course ii and divine therapy course iv. Either sitting on a chair with your feet rooted to the floor or sitting crosslegged directly on the floor, come to a comfortable and rooted position. God is present to each one of us, at the centre of our being, every moment of our lives, regardless of our religion, race, nationality or position in life. Thomas keating, founder of the centering prayer method, for nearly 25 years and is the author of the acclaimed book. Select one or two of the practices for daily life as suggested in open mind, open heart. Pope francis has not commented on centering prayer directly but has spoken very highly of thomas merton. Centering prayer network australia cpna exists to communicate with, and support, one another in the practice of centering prayer.
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