Be Still and Know: Embracing the Gifts of Contemplative Prayer
Friday, January 15 – Sunday, January 17, 2016
Led by Carl McColman
Psalm 62 proclaims, “For God alone my soul in silence waits.” Waiting on the Holy One, in silence, is the heart of Christian spirituality. This weekend will introduce you to the centuries old practice of contemplation — a form of silent prayer in which we gently open our hearts and minds to the hidden yet real presence of God. We will tap the wisdom of the desert mothers and fathers, The Cloud of Unknowing, and The Way of a Pilgrim, among other sources. Here is an opportunity to relax, enjoy the serenity and beauty of the monastery, to pray both alone and with the monks, and to reflect on the gifts of prayer and spirituality that are at the heart of the Christian life. No prior experience of contemplative prayer is required, although this retreat does work well as a ‘refresher course’ for those with experience in the practice of Christian contemplation.
Retreat leader Carl McColman is the author of several books, including Befriending Silence, Answering the Contemplative Call, and The Big Book of Christian Mysticism. He blogs on Christian spirituality and contemplative living at www.carlmccolman.com. McColman is a life-professed Lay Cistercian (a layperson under formal spiritual guidance of Cistercian monks) affiliated with the Trappist Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia. He has been a practitioner of Christian contemplative prayer and meditation for over 30 years.
Cost: $325, deposit: $80