Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer is a method of prayer which prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence. This was traditionally called contemplative prayer.

Contemplative prayer is the opening of mind and heart — our whole being — to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words and emotions. Centering Prayer facilitates the movement from more active modes of prayer — verbal, mental or affective prayer — into a receptive prayer of resting in God. It emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God.

Meditation

Fr. Thomas Hand, S.J. (“Hando”) founded the East-West Meditation Program at Mercy Center in 1985, after having lived nearly 30 years in Japan. During his time in Japan, Fr. Hand taught haiku poetry, and studied Zen meditation with Yamada Koun Roshi, who encouraged Western students to learn Zen as a way of deepening their Judeo-Christian faith. Hando’s groundbreaking work laid a strong foundation for the continuity of the Program.

The East-West Meditation at Mercy Center honors all faith traditions, and encourages all meditative practices that lead to a compassionate heart.

Surrender All To Love

Using Jen’s book, Surrender All (Ave Maria Press) as a starting point, Jen and Mary Dillard, Director of Mercy Center Burlingame, will guide our walk together as we meditate on the Stations of the Cross. Then, Jen will guide you in creating a unique piece of expressive art that examines your own heart, finding clues to your mission call.

Writing Your Life

You are invited to take time to reflect and write about your life, present and past, in a writing community. Writing prompts, information on writing craft, and time for discussion and sharing are essential parts of the program.