Join us throughout Lent once or as many times as you’re able for drop-in virtual prayer groups. No registration required. Simply show up by clicking the Zoom link for the respective group at the time it’s offered. You can also sign up at the bottom of this page to receive weekly email reminders if you’d like!
Centering Prayer: Wednesday Afternoons and Thursday Mornings
CLICK HERE for the Zoom link for to join on Wednesday afternoons 4:30-5:15p.m. (Feb. 17-Mar. 31)
CLICK HERE for the Zoom link for Thursday mornings 7:30-8:15a.m. (Feb. 18-Apr.1)
What is Centering Prayer?
Centering Prayer is a method of silent, contemplative prayer in which we use a word as our touchstone to intentionally consent to place ourselves in God’s presence. To anyone observing someone doing Centering Prayer, it might look like the person is asleep because they are likely sitting quietly and still with their eyes closed. Yet in this stillness, the person is practicing letting go of thoughts and creating room in their heart to receive the gift of God’s presence. You can learn more about Centering Prayer by clicking here or simply by joining us!
How will we spend our time?
10 mins : Introduction to Centering Prayer. This is a great time for newcomers to the practice to join and learn the basics of this method. It’s really in the practicing that you’ll learn!
25 mins: 20 Minutes of communal Centering Prayer (with time allotted for transitioning)
10 mins: Closing Words of Blessing (with time allotted for transitioning and any residual questions)
Lectio Divina: Wednesday Evenings
CLICK HERE for the Zoom link for Wednesday evenings 7:30-8:30p.m. (Feb. 17-Mar. 31)
What is Lectio Divina?
Lectio Divina is a form of praying with Scriptures that is almost as old as Christianity itself! It is grounded in the belief that God communicates to us through Scripture in a way that is accessible and relevant for us here and now. We will use the following “steps” during our gatherings to guide our practice. We are grateful to Dr. Cathy Cory of the University of St. Thomas for providing this framework at her Advent Presentation on Dec. 3, 2020:
- Lectio (Read): What does the text say?
- Meditatio (Think): What does the text say to me? You might pay attention to…
- What kind of literature this is
- Who is the speaker
- What is the speaker’s situation
- Who is being addressed
- Why the speaker is using certain words and phrases
- Oratio (Pray): What do I want to say to God about this passage?
- Contemplatio (Listen): What might God be saying to me about this text? How might I respond?
How will we spend our time?
7:30-7:40p.m. : Introduction to Lectio Divina. This is a great time for newcomers to the practice to join and learn the basics of this method. It’s really in the practicing that you’ll learn!
7:40-8:20p.m.: Lectio Divina practice (including the 4 movements of this prayer listed above)
8:20-8:30p.m. : Closing Words of Blessing (with time allotted for transitioning and any residual questions)
Each week we will pray with the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel passage. For example, on Feb. 24th, we will pray with the Gospel reading for Feb. 28th. You can look up these passages by clicking here and then clicking the date you are looking for. The facilitator will also introduce the passage at the start of each gathering. You may find it helpful to bring your Bible to the gathering to read along.
Can’t make any of the above times through Risen Savior work with your schedule? We encourage you to check out the various Lenten offerings through Minnesota Contemplative Outreach:
Wednesdays at Noon Centering Prayer
Facilitated by Kim Isaak
(Starts Wednesday February 17)
Learn more and Register
Monday Mornings & Evenings Centering Prayer
Facilitated by John Keller
In cooperation with Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (Apple Valley)
(Starts Monday February 22)
Learn more and Register
Wednesday Morning & Thursday Evening Lenten Pray Series
Facilitated by Scott Brazil
In cooperation with Pax Christi Catholic Community
(Starts Wednesday February 24 and Thursday February 25)
Learn more and Register