Meditative Prayer: Entering God's PresenceOUR PRAYERS SHOULD GO AS DEEP AS OUR SOULS.In today's society we are often handicapped in our spiritual growth by too narrow a horizon when it comes to spiritual practices. Each generation suffers a kind of collective amnesia, forgetting the practices and perspectives that nourished countless followers of Christ in centuries past. Rediscovering these skills is one way to respond to our culture's-and our own-deep spiritual hunger. While it is surely preposterous for us to suppose we can interact with the God of this universe, Scripture repeatedly invites us to do that very thing. Prayer is not a minor idea tucked into the cracks of the text, it is central, normative, and expected. Why is it, then, that our prayers are so often dry and difficult? In Meditative Prayer, you'll discover ways of prayer that make use of your mind and imagination, that address your needs as well as strengthen your spirit. By drawing from a number of different sources-Scripture, wise men and women who have gone before, and one another-this study guide will enable your soul to drink deeply from the inexhaustible well of prayer. (Though you can use this guide for a personal journey of prayer, it is ideally suited for exploration with a small group of like-minded friends.) |
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begin berakah Book of Prayer bring C. S. Lewis centering prayer church CLOSING PRAYER comes to prayer Day five Day four Day three discussion Eugene Peterson EXERCISES Each day experience of prayer Father feel focus form of prayer Francis of Assisi free prayer give God's presence group covenant group members Group Note hear heart imagine issue Jesus Prayer journal Julian of Norwich lament Leader's Notes learn to pray lectio divina Lord's Prayer Luke meditative prayer meeting Michael and Norrisey mind MINUTES notice NRSV offer Overview Oxford Book passage peace personality type praise prayer exercise prayer of blessing prayer of examen prayer style question reflection Remember respond rience saying Scripture share silence small group session story temperament thank thanksgiving things Thomas à Kempis type of prayer understand Verse week WEEKLY EXERCISES worship Write a prayer written prayers