Mary of the Angelus Contemplative Prayer Course Overview
Welcome to this Contemplative Prayer Course.
Many of us want to experience a deeper prayer life but don’t know where to start. Others have tried practising meditation and contemplation, in some cases for a long time, but still struggle to quieten the mind and body. Some faithfully practise these forms of prayer but find deep inner transformation is blocked by unhealed wounds, unforgiveness or areas of sin that will not shift. This Course is for all of you people.
The Course is aimed at both those new to contemplative prayer and seasoned contemplatives. You are invited to understand and experience healing and wholeness that enables you to love, and live in a deep relationship with, the God that created you and never ceases to love you. You then, in turn, can pass those graces you receive on to others.
What makes this contemplative prayer course different from others? It progressively moves the participant from learning to still the mind and body in prayer, through to combining contemplation with inner healing and intercessory prayer.
The two co-founders of the Mary of the Angelus Community, Valerie Murphy and Father Vincent Doyle discerned that God was calling them to provide a spiritual support network for God’s poor; that is, all who are broken in the world. To this end, the Angelus consists of small groups (prayer cells) which meet regularly. In these prayer cells, Angelus members pray with and intercede for those who are carrying wounds from their life journeys, so they are set free through Divine grace and healing.
Contemplative, inner healing and intercessory prayer are the 3 cornerstones of the prayer ministry of the Angelus Community. Teaching and combining these 3 prayer forms is unique to the Angelus.
The course consists of 7 parts:
- Introductory video
Prayer Exercises
- Stilling exercise using body sensations
- Stilling exercise using breathing
- Contemplative prayer using a heartword from Scripture
- Contemplative prayer using a litany
- Inner healing contemplative prayer
- Intercessory contemplative prayer
The 6 prayer exercises are designed to be done in the order they are listed. Participants practise each prayer exercise once a day for a week, then move to the next. Staying with each exercise for a week allows time and space for the Holy Spirit to infuse you in a deeper way with spiritual healing and grace, as God desires.
Each prayer exercise is accompanied by a written article for you to read before first doing that exercise. You can also refer back to the article for any clarification needed throughout that week.
The prayer exercises are recorded on audio files which you can listen to through most devices such as a mobile phone, iPad, laptop, etc.
The Course is designed to be done privately by individuals or in a small groups. In small groups, it is suggested that you:
– meet weekly
– read through the Session article together
– allow some time for discussion of the article’s content
– do the exercise, accompanied by the audio, together
– invite participants to give feedback to the group
– practice the exercise daily, individually, for the next 6 days.
It is also recommended that you keep a daily journal of your reflections and experiences throughout the course. If possible, allow some time to do a journal entry straight after each daily prayer session.
You will have access to this Course for 3 months upon purchasing it. This extended access time will allow you to review any content, at your own pace, that requires further consolidation.