LISTEN

We can connect to God in many ways and through all our senses. Some of us are more tuned into what we see, others to what we hear, those that feel an experience through their body or emotions, in creative expressions of art, music or dance (to name a few), in a connection to a person, an animal, or part of God’s natural creation. Sometimes it is easy to connect, other times it is dry and nothing comes to the heart of mind. Connecting to God or reconnecting to God also happens in many ways. Often unexpected and through no real work on your own. Being attentive, quieting yourself and your mind, making the time and space for God to show up is an important part of connection. When your mind, body or emotions are busy, it’s hard to sense the presence or language of God, however He chooses to show up. Holy Listening Groups can be a wonderful way to be with God and with others. A Holy Listening practice consists of sharing and listening with a desire to meet God through the others you are practicing with and your attentiveness in the session. How the Holy Listening Practice Works The group gathers and after I provide an exercise to prepare your heart and mind for the time together, there is a period of silence. You will then be asked to reflect on the last 24 hours or so of your life and let come to your mind something, somewhere or someone where you experienced an unexpected joy, happiness, and more. In running through the activities and encounters of your everyday life you are listening to discern God’s presence in them. An exchange with another, a noticing of something extraordinary, a movement or emotion that bubbled up unexpectedly within you. I will invite each person to share what came to their mind, this is usually 2-3 minutes. After the sharing, the group will take a time of silence and the listeners will then reflect on what they heard and share something that came to their mind for the storyteller. Each person will have time to share and time to receive feedback.

Commonly Asked Questions

HOW OFTEN ARE MEETINGS?

Holy Listening Groups are monthly and range from 45-60 minutes, depending upon the number of people.

WHAT PREPARATION IS NEEDED FOR HOLY LISTENING?

A commitment to arrive with an attitude of openness, attentiveness, and in invitation for the Holy Spirit to be present within you. Judgements, advice and opinions are not part of this practice.

WHAT IS THE COST?

Typically, a session is $25 per participant. If this cost is prohibitive, please pay what is comfortable for you.