The
Inner Track
According
to our tradition, the goal of the Christian life is “to know
God and to enjoy
God forever.” Do
you ever wonder how
you can come to know
God? The
Reformed Tradition suggests two possible tracks.
One is the Outer
Track,
which is most clearly illustrated by acts of outreach and mission. The other is the Inner Track, which
calls
for study, deepening prayer, reflection and contemplation. Both of these tracks come
together in
community and worship, and both are vital for the Christian journey. The Middleton Center and
its spiritual
directors offer the following special programs to enhance your journey
on the Inner Track.
Being Still and
Knowing God:
The Practice of
Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is drawn
from ancient prayer practices of the Christian contemplative tradition. It is a way of responding
to the Spirit of
Christ by consenting to God’s presence and action within. Centering Prayer is not
meant to replace other
kinds of prayer; rather it casts a new light and depth of meaning on
them. It is at the
same time a relationship with
God and a discipline to foster that relationship. The practice is
gaining in
recognition, primarily through the writings and teachings of Thomas
Keating.
Date: Sundays,
May 4, 11, 18
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Where: Fullerton Room, the
Ministries Center
Bryn
Mawr Presbyterian Church
Leader: Rev. Woody
Sheetz-Willard, an ordained Presbyterian minister who
has served the church as pastor, pastoral
counselor, spiritual
director,
hospital and nursing home chaplain and retreat leader.
He is currently serving as
spiritual care coordinator and bereavement counselor
for Heartland Hospice. He
is a Certified
Presenter of Centering Prayer and an active participant with
Contemplative
Outreach, Ltd.
The primary text for the
class will be Intimacy with God, By
Thomas Keating.