The Nicene Creed is the Creed of the universal church and used at the Eucharist.
The Apostles's Creed is an ancient Creed of Baptism; it is used in the church's daily worship to recall our Baptismal
Covenant.
WE PRAY FOR THE GROWTH OF CHRIST CHURCH.
THAT WE MAY BE A BEACON TO THE PEOPLE WHO NEED JESUS' SAVING GRACE.
WE
PRAY FOR THE CHURCH GROWTH TASK FORCE.
THAT THEY MAY LEAD US IN NEW AND EXCITING WAYS TO GROW GOD'S KINGDOM.
WE PRAY
FOR THE PEOPLE OF CHRIST CHURCH.
THAT WE MAY LEAD OTHERS TO JESUS. AMEN.
An Invitation to Contemplative Prayer
To paraphrase Thomas Keating in his book
“Open Mind Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel”, interest in Eastern spiritual traditions, such
as meditation, is a symptom of what is lacking in the West. There is a deep spiritual
hunger that is not being satisfied by mainstream Christian religious practice.
However, as Keating explains, “During
the first fifteen centuries of Christianity contemplative prayer was a common practice. The method of prayer proposed for
lay persons and monastics alike in the first Christian centuries was lectio divina,
literally, “divine reading”, a practice that involved reading scripture, or more exactly, listening to it.” Pg.20
What is contemplative prayer?
Contemplative Prayer first and foremost
is an opportunity to develop your relationship with the Holy Spirit by creating within yourself a still and silent space to
receive God. It is a way to live the scripture, “Be still and know that
I am God”. Through true inner stillness God can speak to Our Spirit by
the grace of the Holy Spirit.
What can I expect from contemplative prayer?
At the very least you will leave a session
feeling relaxed. You will also learn a new way of being with God that you can
practice at home. You may gain insight into your questions, or discernment about
your direction. Over time you’ll develop an awareness of the still place
within you that is connected with the eternal God, and be able to recognize when you are living from that perspective. When
practiced daily contemplative prayer can heal your wounded soul through being in the holy presence of God’s unending
love.
What we do at contemplative prayer?
We begin with a few minutes of deep
mindful breathing to foster relaxation and become centered and fully present. We
then transition into guided meditation to develop awareness of our different aspects; body, mind, emotions, and beneath it
all, our spirit. Fifteen minutes is spent in silent Centering Prayer. During Centering Prayer we use a simple prayer or a single word or image giving the mind a single-point
of focus with the intention to be still and know the presence of God within. We
then practice Lectio Devina, reading texts of scripture and inviting God to speak to us through the Bible. After reading the scripture out loud we enter another ten minutes of quiet contemplation with an open mind
and expectant heart while we listen for the Holy Spirit. To wrap up our contemplative
prayer gathering we are invited to share with others relevant insight we may have had during this prayerful interlude.
Contemplative Prayer is not for everyone,
but the only way to know if it is for you is to experience it yourself. If any
part of you is feeling pulled toward this way of being with God, honor that small voice within you. It’s God calling you into a deeper relationship with Him.
