Experiencing God’s Presence in Prayer:

A retreat gathering with James Finley

December 16, 9 a.m.–Noon
Church

In our time together, James Finley will guide us in the gentle art of experiencing God’s presence in prayer. He will guide us in the graced evolution in which the intimate sincerity of Lectio Divina awakens a loving exchange with God in reflective meditation that, in turn, awakens the heart with longings for God that echo God’s longings for us. We will pay close attention to the signs that we are being led into mystical dimensions of union with God in which we learn to rest in graced realizations that we are God’s beloved. Attention will be given to the challenges and unexpected graces that can occur in each evolving level of prayer and how to carry our deepening union with God in prayer into our daily relationships with others.  Time will be given for discussion of the themes presented. 

James Finley is a former Trappist monk who studied closely with Thomas Merton. He is the author of Thomas Merton's Palace of Nowhere. He is a contemplative practitioner and a renowned psychologist in Santa Monica, CA. He teaches for the Living School of Action and Contemplation as a core faculty member alongside Richard Rohr and Cynthia Bourgeault.

James Finley reminds us, “The contemplative way is like a monastery without walls, a gathering place for people who are searching for something more--something more meaningful, intimate, and richly present to the gift and miracle of their own life.” Our dear friend and gift to St. Monica, James Finley, help us on this journey of life and love.

“Meditation is a way of slowing down to descend into the depths of yourself in the present moment, where God lies waiting to grant you a deep experience of your eternal oneness with God.” – James Finley

“If we are absolutely grounded in the absolute love of God that protects us from nothing even as it sustains us in all things, then we can face all things with courage and tenderness and touch the hurting places in others and in ourselves with love.” – James Finley

Watch the event on Livestream or as a recording (link below or embedded video above):

Jim Finley Live Event on St. Monica Vimeo