Praying in silence together

Lutheran, The, Mar 2000 by Lippard, Michael

Although comtemplative prayer is usually done in solitude, it calls us toward deeper fellowship with God and others-to pray in silence together, share experiences and study.

Allen Cooley, an Episcopalian and clinical psychologist, introduced me to this prayer form. Cooley had attended two centering prayer retreats before he began a group in our town in 1996. "I wanted to share this prayer with my community because it had become important to me," he says. "Also, as the group's leader, I thought it would make me more accountable to pray like this twice a day. But primarily, I think this is hot stuff."

Our group meets for prayer twice a week. Sometimes we read a book together or watch a video and descuss it. Group member Liria Frerer, a Roman Catholic, says, "Just knowing the group is there when I need it, even if I can't be there every time, encourages me to continue with the prayer. I appreciate its openness, how ecumenical it is." Methodists, Presbyterians and Quakers also attend.

We follow a simple order of worship: Salutation, "The Lord be with you," and response.

* Psalm, read or intoned by the leader.

* Prayer by the leader, usually "For Quiet Confidence" (Book of Common Prayer page 832).

* Centering prayer.

* Lord's Prayer, slowly by the leader.

About praying together in silence, Cooley observes: "There's something meaningful about sitting with others opening up to God's presence and action. There's a sense of being pulled down even deeper in a group."

Michael Lippard