It is open to anyone wanting to share a contemplative prayer experience with fellow seekers. After a brief reading to focus our minds, we sit in silence for 20 minutes, take a brief break to stretch and walk about, then sit for another 20 minutes of silence. This format is conducive to any form of contemplative prayer or meditation you choose to practice.

Contemplative prayer is a time of resting silently in the presence of God. Teresa of Avila describes it as taking time to be alone with the One we know loves us. It is a deepening relationship with the Divine where spoken words fade into silent communion. 

Centering Prayer, in which you observe thoughts and let them pass by in order to welcome God’s presence, is only one method of contemplative prayer.

Many Centering Prayer groups engage in a time of discussion and learning after our “sits.” At St. Matthew’s we’re currently discussing St. John of the Cross’s Dark Night of the Soul as presented in a podcast from James Finley. If you would like to receive links to each week’s podcast, contact Richard Morgan (richard.morgan@yahoo.com).

Following the podcasts is not necessary, nor is staying for the entire time. Occasionally someone will need to come in after our silence begins—there are always empty chairs you can slip into.