Deepening Prayer: Prayer’s Many Roles in Our Lives

The Lord’s Prayer as a Template for All Prayer: “Pray like this …,” says the Lord (Matt 6:9), as he introduces his disciples to the “Lord’s Prayer,” although it was not called the “Lord’s Prayer” then, but was rather a prayer to “Abba, Father.” Jesus seems to think of the prayer as a kind of model for all prayer, and it has been thought of in that way throughout the Church’s history. We will take a look at what this great prayer may teach us about all kinds of prayer.
Sunday, Sept. 12, 9:00 am in person, 11:30 zoom

Different Kinds of Personal Prayer: Sometimes we pray in silence, sometimes with words (formal and spontaneous). Sometimes we pray briefly, sometimes longer. Sometimes it seems our minds wander endlessly, despite our efforts. When are we meditating, and when contemplating? Should we strive for centering prayer, or for de-centering prayer? When are we praising, adoring, thanking, interceding, and seeking forgiveness? Is love a form of prayer, and are any prayers really prayers without it? Are there “higher” or “better” forms of prayer? Is there such a thing as “private” prayer? Do we have our own favorite form of prayer? Should we? And, how do these kinds of prayer reflect the template of the Lord’s Prayer, and put it into action? “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess 5:17), says St. Paul. Really? The Eastern Church praises the “Jesus Prayer.” What is that? What about the rosary, and different kinds of rosaries?
Sunday, Sept. 19, 9:00 am in person, 11:30 zoom

Liturgical Prayer: Episcopalians are very much a liturgical people. What does that mean? What makes liturgical prayer different from personal prayer? What might their relationship be? What are the various types of liturgical prayer? Have you come across the adage, “Lex orandi, lex credendi/the law of praying is the law of believing”? The Lord’s Prayer is usually a part of every liturgical prayer. What might that indicate? Have you ever heard the adage, “Leave God for God?
Sunday, Sept. 26, 9:00 am in person, 11:30 zoom