Spirituality Programs at St. Paul's and Beyond
As we move into a new program year, St. Paul’s invites you to make intentional space for prayer, Scripture, spiritual reading, reflection, and holy conversation. Whether you are looking for a contemplative practice, a new way to engage Scripture, or a more intentional spiritual journey, there is a place for you!
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is an ancient way of praying the Scriptures, dating back to Origen of Alexandria in the 3rd century, who introduced a way of praying the Scriptures that would unlock the message of Scriptural texts for individuals. The Desert Fathers and Mothers of 4th century Egypt developed the process, bringing it into daily use.
Lectio Divina is translated as Dwelling in the Word, and a group meets each Monday starting September 14, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. online and in person in the Adult Learning Room in the Education Building. This session is facilitated by the Rev. Janie Kirt Morris and focuses on the gospel passage for the upcoming Sunday. For questions or to join to see if it works for you, email janiekirtmorris@gmail.com email janiekirtmorris@gmail.com.
Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a popular method of meditation and places a strong emphasis on interior silence. The name was taken from Thomas Merton’s description of contemplative prayer as prayer that is centered entirely on the presence of God. Although the modern movement of Centering Prayer owes much to the Trappist monks of Spencer, Massachusetts in the 1970’s, including Father Thomas Keating. The genesis of this type of prayer of the hearts, as it is known, traces its roots back to the early Desert Fathers and Mothers and to works such as The Cloud of Unknowing and the writings of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross.
Centering Prayer, is currently meeting, and offered Saturday mornings 10 a.m.- 11:45 a.m. Centering Prayer is a prayer of deep silence, and we also enjoy sharing thoughts on readings on spirituality. To join, call facilitator Cynthia Jones at 405-314-9550 or email to chj3708@cox.net.
Retreat in Daily Life: The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
Saturdays beginning September 26, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. | The Parlor
Perhaps you sense that the world is speeding by at a dizzying pace. Do you hear a still, small voice calling you to go deeper? An Ignatian journey may be for you.
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius are a 500-year-old practice of prayer and discernment designed to draw us into a closer, more direct relationship with God. Biblical and liturgical at their foundation, the Exercises invite participants to weave the story of their own lives into the life of Jesus Christ—allowing both to become more vivid, connected, and alive.
Led by Franci Hart, this guided Retreat in Daily Life begins each September at St. Paul’s and continues weekly through mid-May. Rather than stepping away from ordinary life for an extended retreat, participants learn to incorporate prayer, reflection, discernment, and spiritual conversation into the rhythms of everyday living.
Over the course of the journey, the Exercises help us recognize and become freer from the interior distractions that can keep us from seeing God’s presence and responding more fully to God’s grace.
As one recent participant reflected: “We are not the same as we were. Our eyes are different, and we see the world in the light of God’s love. Our hearts are different, too. They are aflame with generosity, freedom and passion.”
Questions or interested in participating?
Contact Franci Hart at 405-301-1014 or francihart29@gmail.com.
Retreat in Daily Life Registration
Labyrinth
The labyrinth is a spiritual tool that has many applications in various settings. It reduces stress, quiets the mind and opens the heart. It is a walking meditation, a path of prayer and a blueprint where psyche meets Self.
St. Paul’s currently owns 3 labyrinths: A four-circuit flagstone labyrinth located in the East Garden, the Frank Dennis Memorial 11-circuit Chartres style canvas labyrinth and a children’s labyrinth.
The East Garden Labyrinth is available during open hours for use.
Click HERE for the admission process. Click HERE to apply for Spiritual Direction.
In need of Spiritual Direction? Email Dean Katie Churchwell to get connected with a Spiritual Director or for more details.
St. Brigid School of Spiritual Direction
The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma’s St. Brigid School of Spiritual Direction is a diocesan school committed to raising up individuals discerning a call to become spiritual directors. The two-year program includes four terms. Students meet in monthly sessions, in person, from September through May. After finishing the program, students will earn a proof of completion from the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma. Requirements to be considered for the program include meeting regularly with a Spiritual Director and previous experience in prayer disciplines. It is highly recommended that those interested in applying have completed an 8-month Ignatian Exercises group, and have experience with a Daily Lectio/Centering prayer discipline based on Sacred Space or the Book of Common Prayer. Click HERE for the admission process. Click HERE to apply for Spiritual Direction.