Contemplative Prayer

We may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words. But this is only one expression. Contemplative Prayer is the opening of mind and heart - our whole being - to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words, and emotions. We open our awareness to the God whom we know by faith is within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing - closer than consciousness itself.

Centering prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer by preparing us to cooperate with this gift. It presents the teaching of an earlier time (e.g. The Cloud of Unknowing) in an updated form. It is not meant to replace other types of prayer; it simply puts them into a new and fuller perspective.

Prayer Groups

These groups begin each meeting with a Centering Prayer period. These weekly meetings are open to all who are striving to embrace a daily practice of Centering Prayer. For more information, contact Karen Moore at 783-7903.

Tuesdays at 4:45 p.m.

Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Retreats

Richmond Hill offers a number of retreats each year which focus on contemplative prayer, including seasonal silent retreats, and four 24 hour contemplative retreats each year. To view our current offerings, please visit our retreats page.