Join us each week online for Centering Prayer Meditation 6 April 5pm via zoom with Kathryn Pile. ALL WELCOME
Dear Meditators
This week we will continue our meditations – the third and last in this series using the work of Gerald May’s book, The Dark Night Of the Soul; the connection between Darkness (or Unknowing) and spiritual growth. Gerald uses the theology of St Teresa and St John of the Cross to describe this connection. This week’s words are on The Prayer of Union [with God] as a process, sharing some insights from Teresa.
These words are intentional. It’s a time to experience where and if any word or phrase stands out for you. Take what you need of them into your silence as your centering prayer.
Gerald May quotes Teresa:
- “And I can’t understand what the mind is, or how it differs from the soul or spirit. They all seem the same to me…”she is bewildered, but explains that this prayer of union often consists of a to-and-fro experience: the intellect and memory become active while the will remains lovingly given to God. God calls the intellect and memory back into quiet suspension, “gathering them back” to join the will of God for a short while. Teresa describes it as an “understanding by not understanding.”
- Gerald says, there is a real process taking place here, a movement that is definitely heading somewhere. Sometimes these moments seem too good to be true. It’s very difficult to trust them. Whatever form it takes, the movement of the soul and God is always finding its way towards freedom.
As you begin to relax now in body and mind, slow your breathing, and enter your meditation, centering your prayer, your in-most being on your will and intention…on God’s deep and obscure divine activity.
Love and every blessing
Kathryn
Gerald May, The Dark Night of The Soul: p 124-134
We are using this app to assist at other times during the week
https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/centering-prayer-mobile-app
Remember to watch an introduction to Centering Prayer Meditation with Kathryn. You can see it here
Let us know how you are finding this time – we always like to hear from you😊
Peace and health at this time
Irene & Damien