BENEDICTINE RETREAT & CONFERENCE CENTER
Prayer

The public is always welcome to join the monastic community for daily prayer.

These offerings provide unique ways to hear the voice of God in one's life.

Click on the title to view description.

Click on Calendar to browse by month.

While we welcome walk-ins, it is always wise to call ahead (651.777.8181) to insure that an event has not filled been cancelled.

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Lectio Divina

“Divine Reading” or “Praying with Scripture” is a way of responding to God’s invitation and entering into the Word of God with a listening ear. Through slow readings and silence, one is open to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Michael Casey descibes Lectio Divina as a 'means of setting aside the superficial to reach the heart of reality' in his book Sacred Reading.

Centering Prayer

When words and activity become too much, it is time for quiet in the arms of God. Centering Prayer teaches a person how to respond to God’s invitation to deeper relationship through contemplative stillness. Its roots are within the Christian heritage as taught by the Desert Fathers and Mothers and shared at the Benedictine Center through the work of Minnesota Contemplative Outreach. A regular centering prayer group meets on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:20a. Contact Sr. Virginia Matter for more details.

Walk the Labyrinth

Our seasonal labyrinth is available to you at any time. Since the middle ages many Christians have walked the labyrinth as a way to draw closer to God the the journey of life. An indoor finger labyrinth, available in the meditation chapel, is a meditation tool and is an extension of the larger labyrinth that is walked.

Come and Pray

Guests are welcome between 7:30a and 8:30p each day (Saturdays 8:30a-8:30p) to make use of the Meditation Chapel or public spaces for private prayer. See the Daily Monastic Schedule to join the community for prayer.

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Taizé Prayer

Monastic Community No charge

7–8p (Third Friday of each month)

Taizé prayer uses simple chants based on the Scriptures and periods of silence to create an environment for encountering the mystery of God. This hour of quiet, gentle communal prayer can help dispel the accumulated burdens of the week and free one for the renewal of a weekend. No registration necessary. Walk-ins welcome.

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Men’s Contemplative Spirituality Group

David Sagula Free Will Offering

7–9p (Fourth Monday of each month)

This is a monthly on-going support group for men seeking to integrate contemplative spirituality into their active lives. Regular and occasional participants alike describe the evening as a comfortable place to dig deep with other men. The evening begins with Scripture and silent prayer, then introductions and conversation about men's spirituality and personal experience. The evening concludes with silent prayer. No experience with contemplative prayer is necessary, just an openness to its possibilities. Walk-ins are welcome.

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Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina Retreat

S. Virginia Matter $260 includes lodging and meals

Fri., Aug. 1, 7p thru Wed., Aug. 6, 1p

A time for profound silence and praying with the Scriptures. Register online.

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For Phone/Email Registration or Further Information

Please contact Guest Services at 651-777-7251.

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