Loddon Reach: contemplative prayer group

"To know Christ and to make Him known through a caring, sustainable and growing Christian presence in our Community."

Contemplative Prayer Group

Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God

Luke 6:12

This can be a bit confusing as the word meditation has come to have two different meanings. In the Christian tradition it means focused, pondering thought. It has been used by monastic and religious orders for many hundreds of years, using techniques such as lectio divina, which dates back to the 4th century AD. Contemplation, on the other hand, means a state of quiet, intentionally unfocused awareness in which we try to lay aside our own thoughts and desires in order to open ourselves more fully to God.

A lot of people get quite confused about these meaning of meditation as eastern spiritual traditions use the same words but with almost reverse meaning. Also, some Christians are suspicious of meditation because of the association with eastern religions and with “new age” practices. At St. Mary’s we adhere to a traditional Christian approach, although we are not averse to occasional use of modern technology and ideas.

The group normally meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at St. Mary’s church at 8pm. Feel free just to turn up if you are interested.

Our current programme up to the end of 2008 is as follows:

There will be no meetings in August

November 5, 19

December 3, 17

Q&A

I am interested but have never done this before, how do I start?

You are welcome to just come along. Nigel Herriott would be happy to give some help and advice to those that would like to start on this approach to prayer. The meetings are informal and everyone is welcome.

I have tried eastern meditation and yoga, is it OK for me to come?

We would be delighted if you would like to attend. Our approach is strictly Christian but some of the techniques that are used to quieten our minds in order to open ourselves to God are common to many religions. Some people have explored eastern and “new age” approaches as they have found them helpful, but remain Christian in their basic beliefs. If you are like this, we would particularly welcome you to our group and to the rich tradition of Christian meditation and contemplative prayer.

I am interested, but would like to speak to someone before attending

That is absolutely fine. Please contact the Benefice Office and you will be given contact details for Nigel Herriott who will be happy to discuss it with you further.

† our services

.....................................

† the Eucharist

.....................................

† other services

.....................................

† seasonal events

.....................................

† services this month

.....................................

† this month text version

.....................................