When our minds become cluttered with thoughts, worries and ideas, centering meditation keeps us focused on an intention: being still and quiet in order to turn inward and connect with God and ourselves. This practice can especially be helpful when feeling overwhelmed or anxious, or when you want to spend some time listening for God's voice. Centering Meditation may be followed by other forms of prayer or scripture reading, or may be used independently. The meditation time may

Lectio Divina , or divine reading, is an ancient practice central to Christian prayer. In Lectio Divina , we read and reflect on a short passage of scripture with an open, listening heart, asking what God might be saying to us today through his word. Listening in this way requires an attitude of patient receptivity in which we let go of our own agendas and open ourselves to God’s shaping purpose. Steps in Practicing Lectio Divina: Read: Read the scripture slowly. Listen for

The Prayer of Examen is a spiritual practice introduced by Ignatius of Layola (1491-1556 CE) that invites deep inward reflection on each day as an exercise in noticing the movement of God, our connection to God throughout the day, and learning to discern the will of God. As we examine each day, we look for those moments when we felt close to God, which Ignatius describes as consolation. We then look for those moments in which we felt disconnected from God, defined by Ignatius

Prayer can be as natural to us as breathing. Breath prayers are done anytime, and anywhere, helping us become aware of God’s constant loving presence with us. Breathing can help us reduce anxiety, reduce stress, and improve our mood. Forming a Breath Prayer: Choose your favorite or most natural name for God. (Loving God, Shepherd, Holy Father, Blessed Jesus, Eternal Light, Almighty God, etc) Imagine God calling you by name and asking “______, what do you most want?” Answer G

Did you know that our church has a labyrinth that you can use for prayer and meditation? It is open anytime that you want to spend time with God. If you don't have time to come up to the church, you can also google "finger labyrinth" and print one that you can trace with your finger to use at home, the office, school, or anywhere you happen to be. But what is a labyrinth, and how do you use it for prayer? A labyrinth looks similar to a maze, but it is different because in a