This site is provide by the Presbytery of Hamilton through its Congregational Development Office
Learning dialogue
It is often hard to define what we mean by spirituality. By adopting the approach of a ‘learning dialogue’ we have the opportunity of approaching it relationally. God’s love is relational and is inviting us as Christians to exist, commune and communicate in this manner.
To learn from our experience we must learn from our reflections simultaneously in order to take action.
—Mink
In ‘learning dialogue’ we learn to think together in relationship and listen to the possibilities, relax the gap on certainties and this leads to creative possibilities. By listening we come to be aware of self without reflecting what ‘I’ want to hear and resist a desire to change others, opening a dialogue to engage with them spiritually.
We consider the assumptions we make and encourage the element of surprise of a self shared in dialogue with others: our response is a ‘choice’ made in a micro second.
• Why are things done in a certain way?
• What values are being manifested?
• How and when do we choose to speak and interact with others?
• What is the discrepancy between what is being said and what is being done?
• Get in touch with this gap!
The theory of relation to one another in dialogue.
—Mink
The use of imagination and prayer to reflect upon the scriptures.
When we enter silence there are many voices that come into our heads. Listen to them and set them aside, deal with the immediate concerns and then move on to the hard work!
—Gerard Hughes
Spiritual Exercises
Learn how as an individual in private prayer
or as a prayer group to develop the time
we focus with God so as to deepen this
essential relationship of life. Prayer gives us
the energy to live to the full!
Daily Prayer awareness exercises
Let the Word shed light on your experience.
—B Palecsny
Becoming a good listener.
Good prayer begins with words and ends in silence. God speaks to the listening heart ,
we experience his reply in peace.
We feel loved. And worthwhile.
—Hugh Lavery
The use of the Pendulum of Prayer
helps us understand the movement
from consolation to desolation and
from desolation to consolation.
I look at my world. Everything co-
—David L Fleming
These symbols in the Noah story are essential ingredients as we offer of a series of reflections on peace and hope.
Prayer and Spirituality
The Olive Branch and Dove
T