Chris Wood from St Mary’s, Penistone and a member of the Diocesan Spirituality Group writes of her experience of the Week of Guided Prayer hosted by the Jesuit Institute and the Diocesan Formation and Mission Department at the beginning of Advent from 1-6 December.
“Having had a little experience of the elements of guided prayer, I looked forward to this week. The five one-hour long Zoom meetings comprising of introduction, three workshops and final coming together, sounded like a good start to Advent.
It didn’t disappoint; and what a change from formalised written prayer which dominates our church based celebrations. Making time to sit and be with the Lord, using our senses, imagination, contemplation, praying with art and reflection on our day by using Examen made a peaceful, reflective time.
Some who attended the sessions had also signed up to individual sessions with a delegated guide on a daily basis for a half hour at a mutually convenient time. This was a new experience for me, one that I would prepare for in a different way were I to have chance to repeat, but a valuable insight into my prayer habits both the elements that came easily to me and the ones with which I struggled.
The strong message that came from the week to me was to sit in the presence of God, talk to him as you would to a friend, and listen to him more intensely than you would listen to a friend, and all in peaceful silence -no verbal words needed. Many thanks to all who made week possible and enjoyable. God Bless you. Chris Wood
There will be an opportunity to deepen this experience in a series of sessions starting on 8 March 2025 called Listening with the Heart. The sessions will introduce participants to deeper listening and intentional speaking in our everyday encounters. They will explore through prayer, reflection, discussion and practice the place of life-giving conversation in the everyday. If you would like to find out more please contact the Formation and Mission Team.
