Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop
Introductory Day
The Introductory Workshop familiarises participants with the method of Centering Prayer and its conceptual background and offers two opportunities to experience the prayer. The workshop consists of three presentations led by Contemplative Outreach commissioned presenters.
1. Prayer as Relationship
2. The Method of Centering Prayer
3. Thoughts and the Use of the Sacred Word
Time for Discussion and Questions
After the Introductory Day, there will be a follow-up programme using YouTube videos. This can be done over either six or twelve weeks. Anyone who attends the Introductory Day can run it, either individually or as part of a team. Further information will be provided on 11th July for those who are interested.
Centering Prayer is a contemporary expression of the Christian Contemplative Tradition as developed by the Desert Fathers and Mothers and elaborated by mystics such as John Cassian, John of the Cross, The Cloud of Unknowing, and Teresa of Avila, to name a few.
To practice this prayer, you may have to change your idea of prayer.
The method also brings the prayer into dialogue with neurology.
This exceptional workshop will be led by Elizabeth Smith.
Elizabeth Smith is a wife, mother, and grandmother, whose journey with Centering Prayer began in 1988 when she attended a retreat in England led by Fr. Thomas Keating.
The following year, Elizabeth travelled to the United States to train as a Presenter. At the end of that course, Thomas Keating awarded her a scholarship to attend a Ten-Day Intensive Retreat in Colorado, which he personally led.
From that time onward, Elizabeth travelled regularly to the USA to continue her formation and to attend further advanced retreats with Thomas Keating. At his invitation, Elizabeth became the Co-ordinator for Centering Prayer in the UK, introducing the practice through workshops and retreats.
Elizabeth also served for six years on the Contemplative Faculty. Over the years, Thomas Keating became both her mentor and friend, a relationship that continued until his death in 2018.
Please book for this event on Eventbrite.