Contemplative Prayer

Deep Calls to Deep: Encountering Jesus in Contemplative Prayer

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Mt 6: 6

“Christian prayer is a covenant relationship between God and man in Christ. It is the action of God and of man, springing forth from both the Holy Spirit and ourselves, wholly directed to the Father, in union with the human will of the Son of God made man.” CCC #2564

If you are experiencing God calling you this Lent to a deeper relationship with Him, then this two-session experiential mini-course may be a resource for you. God’s grace works in hidden and unique ways in each of our lives, and shared experiences with others on the same journey of prayer can help and encourage us on the way.

There will be two sessions offered comprised of teaching, time for silence, and opportunities to share experiences, on the Mother of God campus. You may attend one or both of the sessions. There is no cost. However, reading the first three chapters of Personal Prayer by Fr. Thomas Acklin, OSB, ‎Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB; and Section 4 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church #2558-2567 would help you prepare.

If you plan to attend, RSVP to info@sjncatholic.org

Session 1 on March 26 with John O’Brien = MOG School Library (Upper Gym Building)

“Would a good father say ‘I love you but I don’t want to talk to you?’” This first of two talks on prayer will focus on the conversations we have with God our Father in prayer – talking and listening, talking vulnerably and hearing His voice in our hearts.  This talk is for all – for those who have been praying for years and want to go deeper, and for those who are beginning and working to develop their prayer life.

Session 2 on April 16 with Deacon Barry Levy = Goshen House Dining Room

The second of two talks will deepen into our encounter with Jesus; learning from his heart, more of who he is, and who we are. We will incorporate silence, Scriptures, and icons to focus on listening to and receiving what the living Word of God has for us that day to grow in love and communion with Jesus in the heart of the Trinity.