Becoming Ordinary and the Practice of Centering Prayer

Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Mt. 11.28-30)

When we step on the spiritual path we bring our motivations and intentions with us. Our intentions often include the desire to draw closer to God and to become a better person. We may struggle with something we want to overcome thus inspiring us to work on ourselves. Once we have adopted a spiritual practice and have been on the path for a while we discover that the motivations that brought us to the journey can become impediments to our spiritual and emotional growth. Seeing ourselves more clearly allows us to surrender to God’s extraordinary love while being ordinary people. We understand that we are not trying to get anywhere or to become better. We are simply learning how to be and to rest in God’s love each moment.

NOVEMBER 11-13, 2022 | BEGINS 9:00AM ON FRI & ENDS 12 NOON ON SUN*
ALL SAINTS’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
$275 COMMUTER WITH MEALS/ RESIDENTIAL PRICES WILL FOLLOW**

Joy Andrews Hayter, Ph.D. is a spiritual director whose offerings include Centering Prayer and other contemplative practices of the Christian Wisdom tradition. These practices encourage us to lean into the Love that is constantly being offered within a relational web of Sacred Unity. As a scientist she sees in the physical world an expression of that love. Joy has been practicing contemplative practices for 31 years, Centering Prayer for 18 years, and has been leading Centering Prayer /wisdom school retreats, workshops, and days of prayer since 2008. She was coordinator of the Centering Prayer program at Mercy Center in Burlingame 2018-2022, and continues there as adjunct staff.

Rev. Amber Sturgess is an Episcopal Priest, spiritual director, retreat leader, and a seeker on the contemplative path. She enjoys teaching contemplative practices that deepen our spiritual awareness. Amber currently serves as Rector at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Carmel.

Please register by emailing the registration form to Larissa Lavering at centeringprayer@allsaintscarmel.org or call 831-624-3883.

Registration closes October 27, 2022

*The retreat will begin at 9:00am on Friday and end at 12noon on Sunday. Breakfast foods, snacks and lunch will be provided Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will be breakfast only. Each day the retreat will conclude at around 6pm. Retreatants are on their own for dinner. An evening meditation will be provided for you to do in your home or lodging. This is a silent retreat with several periods of Centering Prayer during the day, conferences, personal reflection time, and some group discussion in the afternoon.

**We are currently consulting with local hotels for inexpensive accommodations for out-of-town retreatants. If you need lodging please contact us as soon as you receive this invitation so that we can find accommodations for you. Thank you!