As part of our Contemplative Voices Teaching Series, this fall we are exploring Episcopal priest Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault's book, The Wisdom Jesus: Transforming Heart and Mind--a New Perspective on Christ and His Message.

Thursdays, October 21, 28, November 4, 11    6:30-7:30  Dunham Room, Lower Level

October 21 Chapter 1:  Jesus as a Recognition Event.

October 28 Chapter 2: Jesus in Context

November 4 Chapter 3: "The Kingdom of Heaven Is within You"

November 11 Chapter 4: The Path of Metanoia

Be still and know that I am God

Be still and know that I am

Be still and know

Be still

Be

"Contemplative means attention to our direct, loving, receptive, trusting presence for God.  This attention includes the desire to be present through and beyond our images, thoughts, and feelings.  This intimate, immediate relationship is not an esoteric one meant for the few.  It is our deepest human home and calling". Tilden Edwards in Living in the Presence:  Spiritual Exercises to Open Our Lives to the Awareness of God.

"It's not about knowing more, it's about knowing with more of you."  Cynthia Bourgeault.

This prayer service is roughly 25-30 minutes.  We gather at the altar with the simple chant above on one tone. 

Chants:  We do two more chants reflective of the scripture theme.  Chants are usually from the Christian Wisdom School "Songs of the Presence", or they might be from the Taize chants.  They are easy to learn by ear and are taught in a call and response pattern led by the leader.  The intention is to sink into the patterns of breath and voices as embodied prayer, rather than perfect performance.  If you can breath and talk, you can chant in this style.  Just sitting and listening is also just fine.  Chant practice is taught from 6:00-6:30 on the third Thursday of each month.

Scripture:  The leader reads the gospel lectionary for the upcoming Sunday, sometimes focusing particularly on the wisdom sayings of Jesus.  The first time people are invited to speak a word they heard in the reading that particularly resonates for them, the second time they might speak a phrase.  This is somewhat in the spirit of Lectio Divina, Sacred Reading, when the Presence or Word in the scripture vibrates with the Presence or Word in each of us.  We're listening and "knowing" with our spiritual heart, rather than our rational mind.  Lectio Divina is taught from 6:00-6:30 on the second Thursday of each month.

Silence:  About 10 minutes of silence follows the Scripture.  Some people might do Centering Prayer, or another style of meditation.  Some gaze at the candlelight, or an icon in the center of the group.  We're giving time to listen to or sense the Indwelling Presence.  Presence Prayer or Centering Prayer is taught on the first Thursday of the month from 6:00-6:30.

Prayer time begins and ends with a chime.

Everyone is invited and welcome at this service.  It is deeply in the tradition of the Risen Christ being present right here and right now, while also welcoming people who do wisdom practice in other traditions:  Jewish, Sufi, Buddhist, Yogic or Hindu, Native American.  We also welcome those who are seeking, and have no religious affiliation or background.

Teaching about Contemplative or Wisdom Christianity also is offered through studying the writings of Contemplative Voices such as Episcopal priest Cynthia Bourgeault, Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr, or Benedictine David Steindal-Rast.  Quiet Days are offered several times a year for longer opportunities to sink into contemplative knowing.