Saturdays in August - The Game of Life: Prayer Edition
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Saturdays in August. You are welcome to attend one or all five.
Many people find it challenging to pray regularly or to know how to pray in a meaningful way. Whether new to prayer or looking to deepen the practice, these workshops offer a supportive community and various techniques to help connect with God.
Each session will explore various traditional and contemporary prayer practices:
Lectio Divina: Engage in a contemplative reading of Scripture. This ancient practice involves four steps: reading (lectio), meditation (meditatio), prayer (oratio), and contemplation (contemplatio). Allow the words to resonate deeply within, opening the heart to God’s message and responding with prayerful reflection.
Centering Prayer: Experience a silent, meditative practice focusing on God's presence within. Centering Prayer encourages an inner silence and receptivity to God’s voice. By using a sacred word as a focus, it becomes easier to let go of thoughts and distractions, cultivating a deep sense of peace and connection to the divine.
Prayer of St. Ignatius (The Examen): Reflect on daily life and God’s movements through the Examen, a practice from Ignatian spirituality. It involves reviewing the day with gratitude, acknowledging moments of grace, and discerning God’s guidance. This practice helps in recognizing God's presence in everyday life and fostering a closer relationship with Him.
Praying with Beads: Learn to use prayer beads to enhance focus and connection in prayer. Different traditions use beads in unique ways, such as the rosary in Catholicism or the Anglican prayer beads. Participants will also make their own set of prayer beads, personalizing them as tools for meditation and prayer.
Praying the Labyrinth: Walk the labyrinth as a meditative journey, symbolizing the spiritual path. This ancient practice involves walking a patterned path in prayerful meditation, representing a pilgrimage. It helps in slowing down, focusing on the present moment, and seeking spiritual clarity and insight.
Praying with Colors: Express prayers creatively using colors and art. This method allows for a visual and tactile form of prayer, where colors can symbolize different aspects of the spiritual journey or emotions. It’s a way to engage with prayer in a non-verbal, intuitive manner.
These workshops are designed to be a blessing for both new and seasoned disciples, offering a rich variety of ways to connect with God. All are welcome to join on Saturday mornings for this journey of faith and prayer.
For more information, or to register, email info@mckendreeumc.org
A workbook will be provided. Register to make sure there is a copy for you!