MAY
a MONTH of PRAYER
The Parish Council have set aside the
Month of May for a special focus on prayer in the parish.
Christian Meditation - the
second of our introductory sessions will held 27th May, 4.30 –
5.30pm at The Rectory led by David Miller
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a universal spiritual wisdom and a practice found at the core
of all the great religious traditions, leading from the mind to the heart. It
is a way of simplicity, silence and stillness. It can be practised by anyone,
wherever you are on your life’s journey. It is only necessary to be clear about
the practice and then to begin – and to keep on beginning.
Christian Meditation is
based on the writings of one of the Desert Fathers, John Cassian. He described
a method of prayer that flowed out of the Gospel, which stills the heart and
mind and allows the prayer to simply ‘be’ with God.
How to Meditate -
Sit down.
Sit still with your back straight. Close your eyes lightly. Then interiorly,
silently begin to recite a single word – a prayer word or mantra. We recommend
the ancient Christian prayer-word "Maranatha". Say it as four equal
syllables. Breathe normally and give your full attention to the word as you say
it, silently, gently, faithfully and - above all - simply. The essence of
meditation is simplicity. Stay with the same word during the whole meditation
and in each meditation day to day. Don't visualise but listen to the word, as
you say it. Let go of all thoughts, images and other words. Don’t fight your
distractions: let them go by saying your word faithfully, gently and
attentively and returning to it as soon as you realise you have stopped saying
it or when your attention wanders. It may take a time to develop a habit of
meditation so we suggest you begin with as little as 5 minutes and work up
gradually to 20 or 30 minutes. Rev. Jo notes that Maranatha is an Aramean word meaning; Our Lord is coming or Come Lord Jesus.
[extract from the Worldwide Community for Christian Meditation website ]
The Anam Cara
website is highly recommended where you
will find many resources to enhance your prayer life.
Please note there are Pocket Prayer
Books of A Prayer Book for Australia available for sale $25.00 see Rev
Jo if you would like to purchase a copy.
* a place for
fellowship around the Bible
* a place for
prayer
* a place to ask questions
In
Yarram
– Coffee Connect, Mondays 3.45pm at the Coffee Palace, led by Linda Bowden
currently studying The Gospel of Luke
In Port Albert – 3.30pm at
St John’s Raglan Street, led by Rev. Jo currently studying The Gospel of John; Wednesday 24th We are now meeting at
3.30pm for about one hour.
In Won Wron – Recommences
this month please contact Rev Jo for details
You are welcome to join a group at any
time or if you would like to start a group please talk to Rev. Jo
Please note there are copies of the
Bible Study – John; The Way to True Life by Douglas Connelly available
for $10.00 you may purchase for private study or join the Port Albert Bible
Study Group or start a new group
 |
| Pentecost group at Holy Trinity |
NEWS FROM PARISH
COUNCIL …
Pentecost Sunday 4th June; 9.00am St
John’s, Port Albert and 10.30am Holy Trinity, Yarram – please wear red. A
fellowship meal will be held at Holy Trinity Hall 12 noon. You are invited to
bring simple finger food to share.
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