Contemplative practices
Contemplative Prayer // Mondays and Fridays, 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. (new times), in the Lounge
Father Thomas Keating once said, “Silence is God's first language; everything else is a poor translation.”
If you’re longing for communion and community in silence, please join us for contemplative prayer and dialogue on Monday and Friday mornings.
We ring the bell to begin the silence. After a 30-minute sit we have contemplative dialogue and a short sit to end the meetings at 10:15 a.m.
These meetings are open to all who seek a contemplative community. No reservation or prerequisite is required. Just show up! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Millie Cain and/or Patty Carpenter.
Second Saturdays Centering Prayer // Second Saturday of each month, 9 - 11 a.m., Room 14
Centering prayer is a method of 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 both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship.
Centering prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer. Rather, it adds depth of meaning to all prayer and facilitates the movement from more active modes of prayer into a receptive prayer of resting in God. Centering prayer emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God and as a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with him.
The two-hour centering prayer offering at St. Stephen's includes some instruction and discussion as well as prayer time. Someone from Contemplative Outreach of Richmond is always present to answer questions and offer guidance for those who desire it. You do not have to come for the entire two-hour period.