CONTEMPLATION
“Contemplation is the practice of being fully present – in heart, mind, and body – to what is in a way that allows you to creatively respond and work toward what could be” (Center for Action and Contemplation). Through practices such as centering prayer, meditation, and Lectio Divina, we learn to
hold all things lightly, to be silent, and to welcome each moment as it comes. For more information on contemplation and contemplative practices, click here.
Current Offerings
Peace in the Middle East
Centering Space at Trinity Presbyterian Church
CONTEMPLATION
Music: “Lovers in a Dangerous Time,” by Bruce Cockburn
Don't the hours grow shorter as the days go by?
We never get to stop and open our eyes
One minute you're waiting for the sky to fall
And next you're dazzled by the beauty of it all
Lovers in a dangerous time
Lovers in a dangerous time
These fragile bodies of touch and taste
This fragrant skin, this hair like lace
Spirits open to the thrust of grace
Never a breath you can afford to waste
Lovers in a dangerous time
Lovers in a dangerous time
Lovers in a dangerous time
Lovers in a dangerous time
When you're lovers in a dangerous time
Sometimes you're made to feel as if your love's a crime
Nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight
Got to kick at the darkness 'til it bleeds daylight
Lovers in a dangerous time
Lovers in a dangerous time
Lovers in a dangerous time
Lovers in a dangerous time
We were lovers in a dangerous time
We were lovers in a dangerous time
Love-lovers, love-lovers, love-lovers, love-lovers, oh, oh
Lovers in a dangerous time
Creator of all,
we are waiting for the sky to fall.
We look on in horror at children killed,
homes and schools bombed,
smoking rubble filling the streets.
We mourn with all who have lost loved ones,
all who have fled the fighting,
all who will lie down in fear this night.
Above the sounds of the rockets,
the weeping of the bereaved,
you call us to be lovers,
lovers in a dangerous time.
Suffering Saviour,
we are overwhelmed
by the violence done to fragile bodies,
who taste only blood,
those who no longer feel the Spirit’s grace,
as they breathe in dust and debris.
Yet still you call us to be lovers,
lovers in a dangerous time.
Spirit of Peace,
We listen in fear
to voices speaking defiance,
and vowing even more violence.
We too want to kick at the darkness,
fight the horror it brings,
embrace revenge.
But you call us to be lovers,
lovers in a dangerous time.
You call us to enter your story,
Life-giver and Pain-bearer,
the story where you embrace suffering and sorrow,
your story that promises peace
only through love,
your story that calls us to bring peace
in the midst of violence.
We pray for your presence in our midst,
that we might learn from you how to be lovers,
lovers in a dangerous time.
Amen.
These prayers, based on Bruce Cockburn’s song “Lovers in a Dangerous Time,” were the opening reflection for one of her recent Bible Remixed classes.
Call to Silence: Wait for the Lord
Peace in the Middle East
CONTEMPLATION
Music: Jerusalem by Steve Earle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMWBp14kUqY
Lyrics: https://genius.com/Steve-earle-jerusalem-lyrics
Prayer: Sylvia Keesmaat
Jesus, Jesus help us,
We feel so alone,
As we watch the horror
Unfolding in Gaza and Israel,
We watch the terror continuing in Ukraine,
As we long for an end to tears and grief.
Wake up dead man,
Come and ring peace and healing.
Jesus, remind us of the story,
The story where tears are wiped away,
Where grief is turned to joy,
Where those bent over
With sorrow in the night,
Find themselves dancing at the dawn.
Tell us that story
Where all of creation is healed,
And all will live in peace together.
Wake up dead man,
Come and make all things new.
Jesus, we need your help to listen.
Help us to hold
The sorrow of those who grieve
Help us to hold
the tears of those crying out to us
help us to bear the burdens of mourning.
And help us to hear the songs of peace,
The melody of hope,
The harmonies of justice as they weave
A new imagination of hope.
Wake up dead man,
Hold our fears and carry our sorrows,
So that our longing might nourish the healing of the world.
Amen
Personal Retreat
Taking a step back from the demands of daily life for an hour, a morning or afternoon, or perhaps even a longer day, can help to refresh and restore us. Such a retreat might include a time of prayer, reading, music and movement using the resources such as the labyrinth and meditation walk. You can find a guide for a personal retreat here.
Labyrinth
A labyrinth is an ancient tool used by people around the world. The pattern of pathways offers a contemplative journey as you move towards the center and the wind your way back out into the world. Labyrinths are created in all sizes and in a variety of patterns. An outdoor labyrinth is located on the grounds of Trinity Presbyterian Church. An indoor labyrinth and small handheld labyrinths are located in Centering Space with guides to support contemplation.
Meditation Walk
Trinity is blessed with beautiful grounds and places designed to encourage getting centered in creation. We've compiled a self-guided meditation walk around the grounds with a number of stops along the way. You may download the full guide here , find an online version here, or find hard copies by our Memorial Garden to be used while you walk around the grounds. You'll also find QR codes at many of the stations, which will take you to the full walk and individual stations.
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is a spiritual discipline designed to help us see past our presumptions by examining
small pieces of holy text with great care. We practice this discipline in small groups so that each
of us can see the text, and the piece of God it represents, with eyes other than our own. You
may participate at 5:45 on Wednesday and/or Friday mornings. Meeting details can be found
on the Calendar page. Feel free to email Mark Dewey for questions or additional details.
