Women’s Ministry Studied Contemplative Prayer
By Reine Bethany
The Women’s Ministry of the Cathedral Church of the Intercessor has just completed a four-month Bible study that trained its participants in contemplative prayer. “Be Still,” a Bible study developed by the Willow Creek Association (willowcreek.com), shows how to incorporate contemplative prayer techniques into the busy schedule of daily life. The study examines relevant scriptures and also draws on the wisdom of renowned Christian writers, from Therese of Avila to St. Francis de Sales, and from Brother Andrew to C. S. Lewis, Max Lucado, and Richard Foster.
The Bible study was conducted from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on four Saturdays (Oct. 24 and Nov. 21, 2009; Jan. 16 and Feb. 20, 2010). A crowd of women ranging from 30 to 60 showed up on each Saturday. The study was conducted using both video messages and an accompanying booklet.
Breaking into groups of six to ten during the first three sessions fostered intimacy and introduced the women to new friends. In the last session, the women found individual niches throughout the Intercessor sanctuary for a period of contemplative prayer, then re-gathered to share what the Lord had done for them in that prayer time. The four sessions deepened the women’s unity in the Holy Spirit and refreshed their prayer lives.
The Intercessor Women’s Ministry, according to one of its leaders, Sue Harlin, “is a channel in which we can practice from what we have been given, reaching out to others physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We have events that bring women closer to one another and the Lord. The women of Intercessor are saved by grace, sanctified through faith, surrendered to God’s purpose, and secure in Christ.” Further events for this season include a Victorian Tea at Intercessor on March 20, and a weekend retreat at the end of April. The retreat is not restricted to Intercessor members; women who are interested in that retreat may contact the Intercessor church office at (516) 599-3780.
*This article originally appeared on CECHome*
