‘Prayer is a fundamental gesture of belief, faith, dependence and connectedness’ Cunningham and Egan, Christian Spirituality (Paulist Press, 1996) This course invites participants on a journey to consider and engage in Christian personal prayer. It goes back to basics to offer an introduction to prayer (or a re-introduction for those who feel they could do with a refresher), in order to see prayer in a new way and experience a fresh dimension to life. It is suitable both for those who are beginners to prayer and those who want to re-engage with the basic principles of what helps us as we pray.
The themes of each week offer material for discussion and reflection as well as a guided prayer experience.
Our set text is “Learning to pray” by James Martin SJ, price £12.77 hardback, £7.99 kindle. Please purchase a copy before the course begins.
Week 2: Who are we praying to?
Week 3 - What is prayer?
Week 4 - Different ways of praying
Week 5 - Life is a pilgrimage; prayer is a conversation
In preparation for this session please read “Learning to pray” by James Martin, Chapters 1 and 2.
Video
Questions for reflection
References
St Augustine, Confessions, Book 1
Cunningham, Lawrence and Egan, Keith, Christian Spirituality, Themes from the Tradition (Paulist Press, 1996)
Martin, James, Learning to Pray, a guide for everyone (William Collins, 2021)
Macquarrie, John, Paths in Spirituality (Morehouse, 1992)
Merton, Thomas, Contemplative Prayer (Herder & Herder, 1969)
In preparation for this session please read “Learning to Pray” by James Martin, Chapter 5 - Beginning a friendship with God.
Video
Questions for reflection
References
Cunningham, Lawrence and Egan, Keith, Christian Spirituality, Themes from the Tradition (Paulist Press, 1996)
Hughes, Gerald, God of Surprises (revised edition Darton, Longman and Todd 2008)
Lewis, C.S, Prince Caspian (first published 1951, HarperCollins Children’s Books 2009)
Martin, James, Learning to Pray, a guide for everyone (William Collins, 2021)
In preparation for this session please read “Learning to pray” by James Martin, Chapter 5 – What is prayer?
Video
Questions for reflection
References
Cunningham, Lawrence and Egan, Keith, Christian Spirituality, Themes from Tradition (Paulist Press, 1996)
Lewis, C.S, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (first published 1950, Harper Collins Children’s Books 2009)
Martin, James, Learning to Pray, a guide for everyone (William Collins, 2021)
Oliver, Mary, Felicity poems (Penguin, 2016)
Thibodeaux, Mark, Armchair Mystic: Easing into Contemplative Prayer (Franciscan Media, 20120
In preparation for this session please read “Learning to pray” by James Martin, Chapter 7, “Everyone needs help” (petitionary prayer) and Chapter 8, “Now I lay me down to sleep” (rote and other formal prayers)
Video
Questions for reflection
References
Cunningham, Lawrence and Egan, Keith, Christian Spirituality, Themes from the Tradition (Paulist Press, 1996)
Griffiths, Colleen, Praying with Images, article in Catholic Spiritual Practices (Paraclete Press, 2012)
Healey, Charles SJ, The Ignatian Way, Key Aspects of Jesuit Spirituality (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist, 2009)
Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God (Martino Publishing, Mansfield Centre, CT, 2016)
Martin, James, Learning to Pray, a guide for everyone (William Collins, 2021),
Ulanov, Ann and Barry, Intercessory Prayer, article in Catholic Spiritual Practices (Paraclete Press, 2012
In preparation for this session please read “Learning to pray” by James Martin, Chapter 11. How do I know it’s God? Discerning God’s voice and/or review Chapter 6 – Beginning a friendship with God
Video
Questions for reflection
References
Buchanon, Mark, The Rest of God (Thomas Nelson, 2006)
Cunningham, Lawrence and Egan, Keith, The Spiritual Journey, Christian Spirituality, Themes from the Tradition (Paulist Press, 1996)
Groome, Thomas, Keepon Practising, article in Catholic Spiritual Practices (Paraclete Press, 2012)
Martin, James, Learning to Pray, a guide for everyone (William Collins, 2021),
Silf, Margaret, Close to the heart: a Practical Approach to Personal Prayer (Loyola Press, 2001)
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Sheila is part of the extended team at the London Jesuit Centre. Trained as an HR adviser, life coach and spiritual director, Sheila brings her love of Ignatian spirituality and the creative arts to all she does. She is married with four adult daughters and is based in the south-east of England.
Ann is a member of the extended spirituality team at the London Jesuit Centre where she facilitates courses and offers spiritual accompaniment. She has lived in a housing co-operative in London for over forty years and enjoys ecclesiastical embroidery.