Courses 2011

The mission of the School of Prayer is to promote the practice of Christian mediation and other forms of prayer in the parishes, schools and homes of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. The following units form part of the Certificate in Guiding Meditation but are open to all those seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of prayer:

The following single modules will be offered in 2011. Click on the modules to access times and dates:

Christian Meditative Approaches
This unit will focus on a major approach to meditation each year, as exemplified in the tradition of at least one of the great religious movements (e.g, Carmelite, Ignatian, Orthodox etc.) Contemporary approaches include: John Main (1926-1982) and/or Thomas Keating, who both rediscovered the ancient prayer tradition taught by St John Cassian. Participants will be encouraged to integrate their practice within their daily lives and will be connected with a meditation group which meets regularly (such as: the Australian Christian Meditation Community or Contemplative Outreach or a Third Order Group).

Lectio Divina (Praying with Scriptures)
Students will be introduced to Lectio Divina, the ancient method of sacred reading. The unit will assist participants to gain a head, heart and feet approach to the Bible; an appreciation of the text in context; and a relationship with a loving God revealed through the Word. The main emphasis will be on the method of Lectio Divina: Reading the Sunday Scriptures; Reflecting on these Words of God to us; Responding to God, the Word; Relishing the presence of the Word.

History & Practice of Christian Meditation
The intense interest in meditation is a sign of the times. People of all faiths as well as those of no faith engage in meditation, wishing thus to discover the measure of grace that has been given to them, to draw close to the Truth and so find rest. The module will explore the essential place of meditation using the scriptures as well as ancient and modern sources and examples. The liturgical relationship will also be studied. This unit seeks to open up the vast Christian tradition of meditation and so to provide a sound framework for its practice. Students will be given teaching in how to meditate and will also be prepared for simple leadership in meditation, should they so wish.

Meditation for Adults
This module likewise provides models for individual and communal meditation. The following topics will be covered: The basic concepts of spirituality and holiness; intimacy and meditation; an introduction to spiritual growth; the metaphor of journey in the Scriptures. Signs of spiritual growth; The importance of silence and meditation in sustaining a spiritual life; How to meditate with scripture; Keeping a spiritual journal and using the daily examen; Exploring practices of meditation from the Church’s monastic traditions; Facing the dark night of the soul – the apophatic way of meditation in the Christian tradition. In each session there will be a balance of theory and practice.

Meditation for Teenagers (Combined with Meditating with Children)
This module introduces students to teenagers’ models for personal and communal meditation: Peer pressure and the impact of the media on youth culture; meditation and discovery of self-identity; meditation and development of new capacities. Finding and establishing places of silence in our technological world; Support through life’s difficulties; Models of prayer from the Christian tradition; The use of Scripture in prayer; Lectio Divina; Introduction to different approaches to meditation – Christian Meditation, Centring Prayer, exploring the mandala and the labyrinth as forms of meditation; Praying with icons; In each session there will be a balance of theory and practice.

Meditating with Children (Combined with Meditating for Teenagers)
This module introduces students to models for children’s personal and communal meditation. For example: Stages of development in childhood; Images of God in childhood; The child’s natural capacity for a spiritual life; Jesus’ own forms of prayer; using symbols, imagery and visualization; involving body work, eg, simple yoga exercises, relaxation an walking meditation; introducing children to guided meditation, the art of concentration and centering and awareness of the breath; the ‘Jesus Prayer’, and silence. Reference will also be made to the Liturgical Year. Meditation and action. In each session there will be a balance of theory and practice.