Since prayer is a key part of spirituality, the Franciscan Spiritual Center tries to nurture prayer in many ways. We offer experiences with various methods of prayer and hope that each individual who comes to the Center finds at least one form of prayer that works for him or her. A person can come to the Center to experience the Labyrinth, a walking form of prayer, and participate in an individual or group experience with each of the forms of prayer below, including Taize prayer each month.

Taize Prayer

Join us on the second Monday of each month, September through December from 7:00 - 8:00 PM to chant, meditate and pray around the cross.

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 Centering Prayer

Monthly Practice: Centering Prayer is designed to facilitate the development of Contemplative Prayer by preparing our faculties to receive this gift. Grounded in 16 centuries of Christian tradition, it is an attempt to present the teaching of earlier times in an updated form. Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer; rather it casts a new light and depth of meaning on them. It is at the same time a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. This method of prayer is a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Him. It helps us bring our whole being to God beyond words, thoughts and images. Sister Mary Lonergan meets with people to practice Centering Prayer the first Saturday of each month.

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Introductory Workshop to Centering Prayer & Practice:  The introductory workshop will present the method and practice of Centering Prayer and an opportunity to practice.

"During Centering Prayer, I am asking God to be present in my heart, soul, body and mind. What an amazing thing ... to be in the presence of God"

Tracy Dennison, Centering Prayer participant

Meditation

Christian Meditation is the practice of reflection on self, others, God, creation, events or mysteries of faith using reasoning, imagination, the senses, chant, movement, or scripture to enhance awareness of a relationship with the Trinity. It is done under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Meditation may lead to comtemplation, a form of prayer that lies beyond words, thoughts, or feelings where the true self is in union with God.

Celtic Prayer

Celtic Prayer draws on both the pre-Christian past and the fullness of the Christian Gospel. Basically, Celtic Prayer is a method of living Christianity, not a different form of Christianity. The way it views prayer is unique and vibrant, but well within the experience of Christians around the world. That is what makes it so user friendly. The Center includes many Celtic-related events and activities, including Prayer in the Celtic Tradition.

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"The prayer workshop was a beautiful day, full of the presence in equity activity. The lectio selections were particularly meaningful. The videos were helpful, especially the brief introduction just before the labyrinth walk."
Cornelia
Prayer workshop participant

Please call 503-794-8542 or Email Us for more information.

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