Spirituality

Contemplative Prayer and Meditation

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. The Desert Fathers and Mothers of 4th century Egypt developed the process, bringing it into daily use.

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.

Ignatian Exercises

The Ignatian Exercises are offered at St. Paul’s as a 32-week program, beginning each September. The program is a comprehensive set of spiritual exercises, designed to help bring a soul into closer and direct relationship with God. The Exercises, which are Biblically and LIturgically based, remain in their original form as they were written down and codified by Ignatius of Loyola in the 1500’s.

Prerequisites for this intensive course of prayer are required, along with a personal interview, which must be completed by August for enrollment in September. Contact the Reverend Canon Susan Joplin, or Cathy O'Connor for more information.

Labyrinth Programs

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 provides two major labyrinth walks a year in conjunction with the St. Paul’s Taize Choir: In Spring/Summer and in Fall/Winter. These walks are open to the public. In addition, many smaller walks are part of the life of St. Paul’s and have included walks for grief, healing from cancer, celebration of birthdays and other turning points in life.

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.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the psychological process of bringing one’s attention to the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment. The recent popularity of mindfulness in the West is generally considered to have been initiated by Jon Kabat-Zinn, although it has been a significant element of ancient Buddhist traditions. The practice of mindfulness is strongly correlated with a greater sense of well-being in practitioners.

Mindfulness classes at St. Paul’s rely upon the teachings of Jon Kabat-Zinn and others. Recent classes have included an introduction of Qigong, a system of body postures and movements to cultivate health, balance and life energy.

Recovery Programs at St. Paul’s

Al-Anon

St. Paul’s provides space for meetings of Al-Anon on Tuesdays at 12:10 p.m. in the Undercroft of the Education Building. Al Anon meetings are about sharing individual experiences and problems caused by a loved one’s drinking. Individual stories offer hope and strength in order to solve the common problems of the group. The 12-step recovery method is used to help in the recovery from the emotional, psychological and physical impact of alcoholism.

CoDA

St. Paul's hosts weekly CoDA meetings Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the Library. Co-Dependents Anonymous is a 12-step program of women and men whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement of membership is a desire for healthy and loving relationships.

Nar-Anon

St. Paul’s provides space for meetings of Nar-Anon on Tuesday evenings at 7:15 p.m. in the Undercroft of the Education Building. Nar Anon Family Groups is primarily for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction challenges of someone very close. The Nar Anon program, which is not a religious one but a spiritual way of life, is based on the 12 Steps of Nar Anon.