Photo by J Entwistle
The Fellowship sets forward a method of prayer that focuses on listening. Many Christians speak to God in their prayers in different ways, but listening is rarer in the spiritual life.
This method is based solidly on the Bible as the Word of God, Jesus said "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life" (John 6:63). We believe this is true. There are many words and promises of God spoken in the first person (e.g. "I AM with you always") by Jesus or through the prophets. These are words that God also speaks to us now, for they contain timeless and eternal truths. As we receive these living words deeply within us, we find our human personality is gradually and increasingly illuminated by the divine spirit and life of God at work in us. We are following Paul's instruction - "Let the Word of God dwell in you richly" (Colossians 3:16). |
Prayers of stillness, or contemplative prayer has been a recognised way of prayer all through the centuries. The psalms give some instances of this method of 'waiting on God', e.g. "be still and know that I AM God" (Psalm 46:10). This is the centre of silent prayer and the basis on which ordinary people down the centuries, as well as mystics and contemplatives, have come to know God rather than just to know about God. (Hebrews 1:1-2).
What is the purpose of these groups? Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered in my name there I AM in the midst" (Matthew 18:20). The silence experienced in a group can go deeper than that experienced alone. This can encourage the regular daily prayer time. Quiet Day
The date of the next Quiet Day in Albany will be posted below: ______________ |
What are Quiet Days?
Lightly structured days of prayer and reflection that start with a period of guided contemplative prayer at 10am. People disperse for a quiet time in the garden, Sanctuary or house and remain in silence. A light lunch is provided and the group comes back together at 2pm for a final contemplative session. What to bring: A cushion or blanket. Anything that you may find helpful during your time of personal reflection, i.e., notebook and reading matter. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes if you like to wander in the garden. Who can attend? Men, women, young adults - no small children please. Please ring or email to confirm, so we have an idea about numbers. Who is silent prayer for? Silent prayer is suitable for anyone. Try it, and see if you gain any help from it; if not, don't worry; there are other ways to pray. But busy people pressed at work, and frantic mothers at home, as well as many others, have found that this way of silent prayer has really changed their lives. It is simple, yet profound; but it does need perseverance! |
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LINK: The Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer in Britain can be found by clicking the image below. |
Fellowship Closing Prayer of Thanksgiving
Loving and heavenly Father, we thank you for your unsearchable riches, moving forth in boundless provision, unchanging, eternal and without price, whether received, rejected or ignored. And, we offer ourselves as far as we are able an emptiness to be filled with all the fullness of your life. All that we have, all that we do and all that we are. A living sacrifice, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Loving and heavenly Father, we thank you for your unsearchable riches, moving forth in boundless provision, unchanging, eternal and without price, whether received, rejected or ignored. And, we offer ourselves as far as we are able an emptiness to be filled with all the fullness of your life. All that we have, all that we do and all that we are. A living sacrifice, through Christ our Lord. Amen.