Prayers Of the BodyLisa Gonzalez

S5310 – Spirituality for the New MillenniumMay 6, 2013

Contemporary ContextMy Tradition, Disciples of Christ (SCM)Word Based

Bible reading and study Extemporaneous prayer

Community Characteristics Congregational, local and democratic Importance of Lord’s Table Aversion to creeds and theological language Unity of all followers of Jesus

Meditative PrayerReflectionImaginativeListen for Holy SpiritExample – Ignatian, Benedictine

Contemplative PrayerWordless and imagelessApophatic traditionSpace for Holy SpiritExample – Cappadocians, Symeon

YogaBuddhist and Hindu ChristianVariety of underlying

theologies and techniques

Technique not always related to a particular theology

Mantras, breathing, posture

Divine in all of us – body as micro/macrocosm

InculturationInterreligious dialogueEcumenismMigration and

immigrationHesychasm – Symeon

the New TheologianTrinitarian

Related Prayer PracticesSacred Word

Lectio Divina

Related Prayer PracticesSacred Word

Jesus Creed

Related Prayer PracticesBody Focused

Labyrinth

Related Pastoral PracticesBody Focused

Integrated Health Ministries

Marks of SpiritualityNew Millenium Prayers of the BodyTradition – Bible,

Benedictine, HeyschasmContemplative/

MysticismInterfaith

Biblical basisMantra/touchstoneHabit forming

Scripture and Body Prayer

http://youtu.be/5zVsoslT7-k

ChallengesSyncretismColonization/disrespectful appropriationBacklash against mysticismSolutions?Accountability and authority

New DirectionsDevelop a Biblical basisFocus on building community, including

leadership and need for accountabilityIntegration and educationMy challenge - draw on tradition of

respecting intellectual authorities

ConclusionMany prayer forms – no highest formListening, silence, and being present can be

nurturedBiblical basis, and ecumenical tradition can

contribute to new prayer forms and a deeper prayer life