Jay Paul
An introduction to centering prayer Two workshops offered this fall St. Stephen’s has a robust contemplative prayer community and is pleased to invite parishioners and community members to explore the gifts of a centering prayer practice through two fall workshops. Centering prayer is a receptive method of Christian silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with him, a deepening of one’s relationship with God, and a disciplined path to deepen that relationship. During each of the three-hour introductions we will share the guidelines of centering prayer developed by Fr. Thomas Keating and the Contemplative Outreach ministry he fostered. We will talk about how to respond to thoughts you have when trying to
be still. We will also discuss the effect that centering prayer has in daily life and ways of fostering this practice in your own life. St. Stephen’s Church offers a variety of opportunities to connect and practice with others in the contemplative community both online and in person. Learn more at ststephensRVA.org/ contemplative. AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PRACTICE OF CENTERING PRAYER 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, September 18 Saturday, October 16 Facilitated by Contemplative Outreach of Richmond Register at ststephensRVA.org/centering-workshops Questions: The Rev. John Jenkins, jjenkins@ststephensRVA.org
Praying in private Daughters of the King pray daily in response to your requests St. Stephen’s Church offers many opportunities to engage in prayer and a variety of ways to pray with others: daily Morning Prayer (in person and online) in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, small groups, listening to Compline, using the parish prayer list, sharing in the Prayers of the People in worship, taking part in our healing prayer ministry, participating in a contemplative group.
confidence, because sometimes people who desire prayer also desire privacy.
By Sherlyn Dibble
There is also a unique group that prays in private: the Daughters of the King. This is an order for women with members who are Episcopalian, Anglican, Lutheran and Roman Catholic. Its members participate in a ministry of intercessory prayer held in strict
The members of St. Stephen’s chapter, named for St. Thérèrese of Liseaux, receive confidential requests from the clergy, from black prayer boxes found in the parish house, and through submissions via the church Web site (ststephensRVA. org/prayerrequest). People often make requests in person after recognizing a Daughter by the distinctive cross she wears. If you are interested in specifics about the ministry of the Daughters, watch for information in The Spirit (the printed Sunday newsletter/ insert) and the eSpirit, the Wednesday morning email newsletter. We welcome your questions and your prayers. A discernment period for women interested in joining this order will be held this fall.
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