Mondays, February 27, March 6, 20, 27 and April 17, 2023.
Live Video Discussions
7:00-8:00pm.
Use this link to join the discussion each week:
https://bit.ly/lenten-prayer-series
Our Lenten Prayer Series is designed for adults and young adults who want to expand their present prayer life or initiate a new prayer habit.
Each week our presenters will introduce a different style of prayer, explain its origin in the Judeo-Christian tradition, describe why individuals find it helpful, and explain the challenges and benefits of that style of prayer. In addition, presenters will explain and illustrate how to pray that style of prayer, suggest resources which might be helpful, and answer questions from participants.
These online programs are free and open to the public. They are appropriate for individuals from any faith tradition.
Participants in the Lenten Prayer Series should expect to:
-- learn more about a different style of prayer.
-- understand why people find this style of prayer helpful.
-- be prepared to practice that style of prayer in their own lives.
Monday, February 27. "Praying With the Hours"
Deacon Chris Evans will explain and illustrate how to pray the "Liturgy of the Hours" (sometimes
called the "Divine Office"). This form of praying at regular intervals throughout the day originated in Jewish
tradition. It was adapted by the early Christian monks and is still widely used among clergy, religious and lay
people.
Deacon Evans serves on the parish staff at Blessed Sacrament Parish.
> Learn more about the Liturgy of the Hours here.
Monday, March 6. "Praying With the Psalms"
The Psalms originated as hymns in ancient Jewish communities. Many are songs of praise or thanksgiving, but many
others are songs of lament. In this program, Pastor John Janssen will illustrate why the psalms have often been
called a "school of prayer" which inspire us to identify and help us to express our own feelings and needs.
Rev. Janssen is Associate Pastor at Cedar Heights Community Presbyterian Church in Cedar Falls.
> Learn more about Prayers of Lament here.
Monday, March 20. "Praying Without Words"
Contemplative prayer developed early on in Christian tradition among hermits and ascetics and was widespread
among the medieval mystics. In this program, Juli Rowell will explain how "centering prayer" was revived in the
20th century in an effort to help modern Christians defer frantic activity and learn to quietly "rest in God."
Juli Rowell has practiced Centering Prayer for many years and serves in leadership for Contemplative Outreach of
Northeast Iowa.
> Learn more about the Christian contemplative tradition here.
Monday, March 27. "Praying With Scripture--The Art of Holy Reading"
Ellen Kuchera will explain and illustrate a method of holy reading ("lectio divina") devised in the early
monasteries to help illiterate members hear and understand Holy Scripture. Over the centuries, it proved advanta-
geous even for those who could read and has become more common among Christians in all walks of life today.
Ellen is associate director of adult formation for the Catholic Parishes in Waterloo.
> Learn more about Holy Reading here.
Monday, April 17. "Praying Always From a Sacramental Imagination"
Ignatius of Loyola believed fervently that we could find "God in all things"; he developed a series of spiritual
exercises to help people recognize the Divine presence in everyday life. Dave Cushing will explain a process for
developing this kind of sacramental imagination which includes what Ignatius called a "Daily Examen."
Dave is director of adult formation for the Catholic Parishes in Waterloo.
> Learn more about how to develop a Scramental Imagination here.
> Learn more about the Daily Examen here.
Recommended Resources
Find links to resources recommended by our presenters here.
Learn More
> Busy Catholic's Guide to Prayer
> Common Concerns About Prayer
The Catholic parishes in Waterloo are committed to providing life-long faith formation, enrichment and spiritual growth opportunities for adults of all ages. We value the individual's life experience, respect the diversity of personal convictions, and welcome the wisdom of every participant. We encourage conversation and dialogue. We will never intentionally embarrass or offend participants.
[Original Post: 02.15.23]