Guided Meditative Prayer

Description

We are born into a living unity with the Divine—innocent, whole, and rooted in the present moment. As we grow, we learn to see ourselves through comparison and distinction, defining ourselves by what we are not. In the pursuit of efficiency and success, we often come to neglect the wisdom of our bodies—our emotions and physical sensations—creating a separation between mind and body that can veil us from our deepest, truest Self in God—known by many names across spiritual traditions.

Guided Meditative Prayer is a contemplative practice that invites us to return to the stillness at the center of our being—to rest in the loving presence of the Divine. Through reflection on sacred, inspired words, you are gently guided to pause, listen, and become present to your body, mind, and spirit as one integrated whole, always honoring your own pace and inner sense of safety.

The body is not an obstacle to spiritual life but a sacred doorway into the deeper harmony of Life itself. Within us lives a community of voices—fears, longings, concerns, and hopes—each worthy of compassionate attention. As we listen with kindness to our inner experience, we invite the presence of the Sacred into these places. What may emerge is insight, healing, and a growing sense of steadiness and peace.

Participation is invitational rather than directive—you are always free to engage in ways that feel supportive and respectful of your own experience. Many find that in this gentle listening, they begin to recognize that the Divine presence is already within and around them.

From this inner harmony, we live more fully as beloved beings—grounded, content, and connected in an intimate and tangible way.

Come as you are, with an open mind and an open heart.

Guidelines

• Share only what you feel comfortable sharing about your experience.
• We listen without commenting on or interpreting the experiences of others.
• What is shared within the group is held in confidence.
• We honor our own boundaries and the boundaries of others.
• We attend to our own well-being and are encouraged to ask for support when needed.

Cultivating a Contemplative Attitude

You are invited to become present, gently setting aside the activity of the busy mind and resting in simple awareness of your body, heart, and mind.

As you turn inward, take the posture of a compassionate observer. Notice what is present and allow it to be exactly as it is—without needing to change, judge, analyze, or fix it. Simply listen and acknowledge your inner experience.

You may soften your gaze and approach what arises with openness, curiosity, empathy, and compassion. In doing so, you are forming a gentle relationship with whatever is present within you, befriending it.

What appears may be a thought, emotion, sensation, image, or memory. As you sit with it, allow it to unfold in its own time, listening for what wants to be known, what it may be revealing or inviting you to understand.

Schedule

Weekly Thursdays 8:30 - 9:15 am (PST)