Jan. 6 - Carmen Isleman
Approaching God in Prayer and Types of Prayer

Class Notes - What Is Prayer - (18kb)
Topics: How To Pray, Why Pray?, What About When We Can't Pray?, What About When Prayers are Unanswered?

Class Handout - A Quiet Time With God Guide, Prayer Suggestions, Scripture and Prayer, Prayer Journal (1.2mb)

Jan. 13 - Michael Odle
The "What" of Prayer

Class Notes - Deepening and Broadening our Prayers through the Lord's Prayer (2.5mb)
Topics: "We all know that prayer is important, but we have so many questions about the how, why, and what of our prayers. This week we will focus on the "what." What do we pray about? The prayer Jesus taught us will be our model as we broaden and deepen our prayers through the Lord's Prayer.

Class Handout - The Lord's Prayer - Traditional - NRSV Bible (Matthew 6:9-13) (138kb)

Jan. 20 - Julie Bryson
Praying Scripture

Class Notes - Praying With Scripture (517 k)
This session will look at a number of ways to incorporate Scripture into one's prayer life. Scripture can help ground our conversation with God, as when we remain mindful of God's promises found in the Bible as we pray for ourselves or others. The Psalms can help us put words to our feelings. There are times when a passage moves us to tears or raises questions - these can become the bases for prayer. In addition to highlighting how to begin (or to deepen) these practices, we will also discuss Lectio Divina, an ancient prayer practice in the tradition of using Scripture.

Lectio Divina Handout ( 474 k)

Jan. 27 - Pastor Susan Lockman
The Breath Prayer

Class Notes - Discovering Your Breath Prayer (16 k)
People seldom ask us, "What is your deepest yearning?" The breath prayer asks the question and helps you to find the answer. It can open you to discoveries about yourself and heighten your awareness of God's presence in your life. The breath prayer can be a helpful tool for growing in Spirit. On this journey the breath prayer can help you feel God's presence not just in extraordinary occurences but in the ordinariness of everyday life. Our reference is "The Breath of Life" A Simple Way to Pray," by Ron DelBene.