September 2005 - June 2006
For some time now the Tabor retreat team has been considering the possibility of offering a substantial course on the experience and theory of prayer. In our work here we have become aware of the increasing number of people who are seeking a deeper relationship with God and are looking for support and encouragement in their search.
The School of Prayer is for all those who realise the importance of personal prayer in their lives and who are already commited to the journey.
For those involved, it will be an opportunity to be nourished by the rich tradition of Christian prayer, to explore their own prayer journey and to share their experience with others. There will also be the opportunity, through the course, for participants to be accompanied on a one-to-one basis by an experienced prayer guide.
The course will be experiential but at the same time it will include essential reading and some written work or agreed project.
This is not intended as an academic exercise, but as part of the ongoing process of prayer, reflection and personal growth.
Those taking part in the course will be invited to take an active part in spiritual conversation, workshops and faith sharing.
The school of prayer is open to all who wish to deepen their experience and knowledge of prayer and to explore the journey of prayer with others.
The School of Prayer will take place two Fridays a month
10.30 am - 4.30 pm
Cost: £200
Numbers for the School of Prayer will be limited.
Please ring for an application form.
Tabor Carmelite Retreat House,
169 Sharoe Green Lane,
Fulwood, Preston.
PR2 8HE
Tel: 01772 717122
Fax: 01772 787674
Themes
The School of Prayer will offer a wide range of themes including:
Invitation to Prayer
Prayer is the expansion of the heart to receive God's gift of Himself.
Praying the Scriptures
Opening windows to the heart of God
Ways of Praying
Prayer is to the life of the spirit what breathing is to the life of the body
Benedictine PrayerListening to God 'with the ear of the heart'
Franciscan Prayer
Singing God's Canticle of Praise
Carmelite Prayer
Prayer is a heart-to-heart conversation with Someone we know loves us
Discernment in PrayerListening to the God of all things
Praying Together
Where two or three are gathered together in His name, He is there in the midst of them
Praying with Music, Poetry and Art
The arts evoke the mystery without which the world cannot exist
Prayer and Ecumenism
That all may be one
Contributors
Contributors to the School of Prayer will be drawn from a wide range of speakers experienced in spirituality and ministry of prayer.
These will include:
Fr Daniel O'Leary
Lecturer, retreat-giver and author of 'Travelling Light'
Margaret Silf
Well known writer, speaker and author of 'Landmarks'
James McCaffrey OCD
Editor of 'Mount Carmel' magazine and author of 'Cartive Flames'
Michael McGoldrick OCD
Member of the Carmelite Centre of Spirituality, 'Avila', Dublin
Rev Martin Wray
Methodist minister and co-ordinator of the Lancashire Spirituality Network
Philip McParland OCD
Prior of Mount Carmel Retreat House, Glasgow
Jennifer Holden
Broadcaster, writer and member of the Tabor retreat team
Iain Matthew OCD
Best known for his book on John of the Cross: 'The Impact of God'
Dympna MaGee
Adult Education Adviser for the Diocese of Lancaster and author of 'Challenge to Change'
Rev Graham Piper
Rector of St Aidan's C of E Church, Preston who specialises in Franciscan spirituality
Willie Moran OCD
Member of the Tabor retreat team
Alice Keenleyside
Member of St Beuno's Jesuit Retreat Centre, North Wales
John Wilson
Retreat manager of Whalley Abbey Retreat Centre who specialises in Benedictine spirituality
Mark Beattie OCD
Carmelite scripture scholar and chaplain to the L'Arche Community, Liverpool
Mark Davis
Principal consultant in the Shoreline Consultancy, supporting and developing faith sharing and spiritual conversation within Christian communities
Eugene McCaffrey OCD
Prior of Tabor Retreat House and author of 'Patterns of Prayer'