Spirit, Learning and Life
Forming character through the insights of literature, contemporary culture and Scripture.
Contemplation
What does it mean to pray? Does God hear my prayer? Is there a method to follow? These are some questions people have about prayer. At its simplest prayer is paying attention to where we are, who we are with and what is happening around us. Prayer can involve every aspect of life, and can happen anytime. But it also challenges us to move past the surface of life, and asks us to trust God with our honesty, with our joys and sorrows.
Through the guidance of authors like Margaret Self and Henri Nouwen we are exploring how to bring ourselves as we are into God’s presence. And we are slowly discovering that God is present everywhere.
Resources
Books
Inner Compass: An Invitation to Ignatian Spirituality by Margaret Self - Gentle and inviting, this book is an excellent guide for those wanting to deepen their inner journey of prayer using the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Close to the Heart: A Practical Approach to Personal Prayer by Margaret Silf- Using visual imagery and building on the concepts of Inner Compass, Silf introduces a world of imaginative yet simple ways to approach personal prayer, inviting us to search for “clues to the kingdom” in everyday life.
The Go-Between God by John V. Taylor - This book contains insights and reflections on the meaning of the Spirit and a spirit-filled life for our present age. It’s so good you will want to re-read it over the years.
You are the Beloved by Henri Nouwen - A year of daily devotions in which Nouwen encourages readers to contemplatively adopt their identity as the beloved child of God, enabling them to withstand the struggles of life and in turn become a blessing to those around them.