Contemplative prayer, also called centering prayer, Christian meditation, still prayer, and the Jesus Prayer, is simply a way of being in the presence of God. In the Christian tradition contemplative prayer is a practice where we open our mind and heart – our whole being – to God who is pure mystery beyond thoughts, words, and emotions. Through grace we open our awareness to God whom we know by faith is within us and always drawing us into the heart of the Trinity.
Deacon Art Goolsbee began the group in 2005. He was a leader in Centering Prayer through Contemplative Outreach and brought that practice to the Church of the Heavenly Rest. In 2016 he handed over the reigns to Diane Rose and Sr. Brigit-Carol, SD. The group has waxed and waned over the years but has remained a steady fixture at Heavenly Rest. We are an eclectic trans denominational group and our members represent several different Christian traditions in Abilene besides Heavenly Rest.
The contemplative prayer group meets every Tuesday at 4 pm. for an hour. We spend the first half hour reading from a spiritual author of the contemplative prayer tradition and joining in a short reflection. Then we spend 20 minutes in silent prayer where we offer ourselves over as fully as possible into the Divine Mystery of God. In joined silence, as we give our consent to God’s work with us, we stand as intercessors for a broken world.
Although prayer in silence might be a novel idea for many people it is an ancient practice that is experiencing a resurgence in our busy and troubled times. We would love to have you as part of our group.
For more information, please contact Sr. Brigit-Carol, SD at brigit.carol@gmail.com or 325-232-8128 or Diane Rose at dianer4@suddenlink.net or 325-668-6843.