Lenten Study Series -- 5 Sundays in Lent

Our Lenten Study Series will take place on five Sunday evenings in Lent.  This year we will be studying a book entitled The Practice of Prayer by Margaret Guenther, an Episcopal priest, retreat leader, spiritual director and retired professor of ascetical theology at The General Theological Seminary in New York.  The book is part of the "Church Teaching Series."  Here is the publisher's description:

"In this down-to-earth book on the essentials of prayer, Margaret Guenther answers many of the common questions of the spiritual life, such as How do we learn to listen to God in our prayer? and, How do we develop a life of prayer in the midst of busy, active lives? She includes practical descriptions of a number of ways Christians have prayed through the centuries, from using the Jesus Prayer or rosary to praying with the stories of scripture and prayer book liturgies. Guenther also discusses basic matters of Christian practice, such as making a confession, intercession, going on retreat, simplifying our lives, using a journal to pray, finding a spiritual director, and praying through times of desolation when God does not seem to be listening."

Although purchasing and reading the book is not absolutely essential to participate, it is strongly encouraged.  The church will order the books for those interested.  The cost is approximately $12.  It contains ten chapters, and so we will discuss two chapters each session.  As we did last year, the hour-long class will conclude with a light meal of soup and bread.  The schedule is as follows, with each evening beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 10
An Introduction to Spirituality: What's in a Name?
Prayer as Conversation: Is Anyone Listening?

Sunday, February 17
Varieties of Prayer: Does What I Learned in Sunday School Still Count?
Prayer Through the Centuries: From the Jesus Prayer to Lectio Divina

Sunday, February 24
Practices of Prayer: Retreats, Journaling, Sacramental Confession, and Spiritual Direction
Finding God in the Ordinary: Your Kitchen Will Teach You Everything

Sunday, March 2
Prayer and Parenting: How Do I Pray When the Baby is Keeping Me Up?
Learning Simplicity: 'Tis the Gift to Be Simple, 'Tis the Gift to Be Free

Sunday, March 9
Praying Through Desolation: Why Have You Forsaken Me?
Praying in Community: Who are My Mother and My Brothers?

We hope you can join us whenever you can and will gain from our time together as we seek to understand and deepen our own conversation with God.