Spirituality Programs

***Current Offerings***

• Lectio Divina, an hour of quiet and scripture, meets each Monday from noon to 1 pm on Zoom and in person in the parlor. 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, email [email protected]

• Centering Prayer, is offered Saturday mornings 9:30-11 am on Zoom. 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 [email protected]

• Labyrinth Walks, 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. The East Garden labyrinth is available during open hours for use.

• Spiritual Direction, Dean Katie Churchwell can help get you connected with a licensed Spiritual Director. Email her for more details.

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.

Applications for the fall 2021 Diocesan Ignatian Exercises are being accepted through July 31. Click here for further information or contact the Reverend Canon Susan Colley Joplin.

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.

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 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.

Recovery Programs at St. Paul’s

Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon

St. Paul’s provides space for meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous on Monday through Thursday at 12:00 noon and for Al-Anon on Tuesdays at 12:10 p.m. in 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.