Prayer Room, Prayer Spiral, and Spiritual Direction
Prayer Room - Centering Prayer and Taizé (Rooms D131 and D132)
The prayer room will be open for personal reflection, quiet prayer and resourcing each day throughout the Biennial Mission Summit. Join us there on Friday and Saturday following the evening gathering for Taizé music with Brad Berglund and centering prayer with Karen Gygax Rodriguez. If you desire a meeting with a spiritual director, sign up in the prayer room.
The prayer room will be open for personal reflection, quiet prayer and resourcing each day throughout the Biennial Mission Summit. Join us there on Friday and Saturday following the evening gathering for Taizé music with Brad Berglund and centering prayer with Karen Gygax Rodriguez. If you desire a meeting with a spiritual director, sign up in the prayer room.
Prayer Spiral
A prayer spiral will be used at the Biennial Mission Summit during specified times (check event Program Book upon arrival for more information). The spiral which will be used is an adaptation from the more classic prayer labyrinths; the concept is similar. Participants walk the spiral path that symbolizes the inward/outward spiritual journey of humanity. This contemplative journey can be accompanied with symbols that one can carry with them as the walk the spiral path.
The inward path leads to the cross, the path is illuminated by the cloud of witnesses that have followed the Christ before us, leading us to the cross which is at the center of our spiral. Along with the cross, we have provided participants with a bench to sit for a moment to pray more intently or just to sit and reflect on their journey, before they begin the outward journey and retrace their steps back out of the spiral. As participants journey out they are invited to add their light (or the light of someone that has impacted their faith journey) to the Christ path leaving a brighter clearer path for those that follow.
The spiral itself is created using luminaries - a southwest tradition lighting the way to the Christ. In our interpretation, the luminaries symbolize people who have been the hands and feet of Christ. It is a visual reminder that we participate in the great mystery of faith that spans time.
A prayer spiral will be used at the Biennial Mission Summit during specified times (check event Program Book upon arrival for more information). The spiral which will be used is an adaptation from the more classic prayer labyrinths; the concept is similar. Participants walk the spiral path that symbolizes the inward/outward spiritual journey of humanity. This contemplative journey can be accompanied with symbols that one can carry with them as the walk the spiral path.
The inward path leads to the cross, the path is illuminated by the cloud of witnesses that have followed the Christ before us, leading us to the cross which is at the center of our spiral. Along with the cross, we have provided participants with a bench to sit for a moment to pray more intently or just to sit and reflect on their journey, before they begin the outward journey and retrace their steps back out of the spiral. As participants journey out they are invited to add their light (or the light of someone that has impacted their faith journey) to the Christ path leaving a brighter clearer path for those that follow.
The spiral itself is created using luminaries - a southwest tradition lighting the way to the Christ. In our interpretation, the luminaries symbolize people who have been the hands and feet of Christ. It is a visual reminder that we participate in the great mystery of faith that spans time.
Spiritual Direction
American Baptist spiritual directors are emerging as vital companions on the journey of “connecting with Christ and others”. For those attending the Biennial Mission Summit who need someone to encourage them in the practice of seeking and finding God, especially within the context of this gathering, or for those who wish to have someone listen deeply to their life experience, you may sign up with a spiritual director in the prayer room. Rene Colson Hudson will be there to assist you. Learn more about the practice of Spiritual Direction at www.abcspiritualformation.com
American Baptist spiritual directors are emerging as vital companions on the journey of “connecting with Christ and others”. For those attending the Biennial Mission Summit who need someone to encourage them in the practice of seeking and finding God, especially within the context of this gathering, or for those who wish to have someone listen deeply to their life experience, you may sign up with a spiritual director in the prayer room. Rene Colson Hudson will be there to assist you. Learn more about the practice of Spiritual Direction at www.abcspiritualformation.com