LENTEN STUDY 2012 13 A seven week study of THE PATH TO YOUR DOOR: Approaches to Christian Spirituality by Ellen Clark-King (Cont’d)
Week 2 February 21: The second session is titled "The Word" and is based on the first chapter of the path to your door with an emphasis on the scriptural texts as an avenue to explore. Psalms, the Ignatian approach, Lectio divina and other resources will be tried and discussed. The Rev. Dr. Linda A. St.Clair will guide this session. SESSION OVERVIEW A look at two bible passages Genesis & John “In the beginning was the word” A closer look at the Lord’s Prayer and reflection on what is being said Praying with the Psalms some are uplifting and others more somber both dark and light Lectio Divina which provides a structure for response to a bible reading which makes scripture a living word for today by concentrating on what word or phrase speaks more strongly to you and then thinking about the meaning. Jesus Prayer [Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner] and to use this prayer either by repeating it over and over or by saying it in the gaps in the busyness of the day Kataphatic [embracing imagery and words as a way to grow in understanding of God] Spirituality which emphasizes our relationship to God and finding new ways of speaking to and of God. Words are a way to begin our journey with God The Rev. Dr. Linda St.Clair is a retired Anglican priest and has served in Christ Church Cathedral Vancouver and as Director of Programs for the Diocese of New Westminster before retiring to Gabriola Island where she served as Priest in Charge of St. Martin’s and now as an honorary assis-tant. Her doctoral work focused on impact of social power and communication in small groups and large organizations. Changing traditional power based roles to empowering roles as servant leaders is still her focus. Week 3 February 28: The focus on the third week will be on “the awakening of spirituality through silence”. The challenge to be still and know I am God will be studied and experienced. Works ranging from Thomas Merton and Meister Eckhart to Zen Masters will be referenced. The Rev. Dr. Linda St. Clair will guide this session. SESSION OVERVIEW: Tools for silence Nouwen “Quiet Rest” conscious use of silence [we chose a stone to hold] We live in a world that tries to banish silence and it is difficult to find Psalm 46 v 11 “Be Still and know that I am GOD Take time to communicate with God through our hearts & souls Be present and God will come – Just show up Meditation: Conscious breathing e.g. in [Yah] our [weh] Labyrinth a walking meditation Centering Prayer – choose a meaningful word to focus on [Thomas Keating] Meister Eckhart “Apophatic” = the way of unknowing - we are called into oneness to empty ourselves so we can be filled with God – God’s grace working within us Reflective Meditation – recall the past when you felt God’s grace Thomas Merton: All Christians need places & times of silence in order to get in tune with God Contemplative Prayer