Prayer is our communication with God. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we are invited to keep communication open between us and God.
Through July and August you are invited to receive the gift of prayer in three different ways:
Grace Lutheran Prayer Labyrinth: (set up in the Kensington room on July 4 & 11, and August 1, 8 &22). The Labyrinth is an ancient tool used to help us pray while we walk. It has been appreciated by many Grace members during prayer retreats. The Grace labyrinth was recently purchased using memorial funds and painted by high-school students.
The Chapel: offered as a “Sanctuary of God’s Refuge and Strength,” will be hosted by Prayer Ministers at 10:15 a.m. on July 4 & 11, and on August 1, 8 & 22. Come to experience quiet music, meditation, anointing for healing and offer your personal prayers to God.
Lectio Divina or “Divine Reading”: (in Room 204 on July 4 & 11 and August 1,8 & 22) is a traditional Christian practice of prayer and Bible reading intended to promote communion with God and to increase knowledge of God’s Word. We will read the Psalms in small groups with quiet attention to words and phrases that stand out and touch our lives.
Just what is a prayer labyrinth?
Labyrinths are spiritual tools that are used for walking while praying. Not mazes, prayer labyrinths have only one entrance and exit and contain no wrong turns! The labyrinth has been
described as a symbol for life, for no matter what twists and turns we encounter on our journeys in both the labyrinth and in life, God is always with us.
Intern Pastor Dara Schuller-Hanson, who was instrumental in bringing the labyrinth to Grace Church, was introduced to prayer labyrinths while working at a Bible camp in Wisconsin. The camp created a labyrinth by mowing a path into a grass field. Youth had the opportunity to walk the labyrinth while praying, and some of the campers described feeling really connected to God during their labyrinth experiences.
Some people pray while sitting still; others pray while doing something active. Prayer labyrinths are for those who want an active way to pray. There is no age limit for using labyrinths. The only requirements are an open mind and heart as one travels the labyrinth and lifts to God in focused prayer all that is on his or her heart.
The prayer labyrinth of Grace Lutheran Church of La Grange will be available for use on Sunday mornings before and after each service and at 10 a.m. on July 4 & 11, and August 1, 8 &22. Brochures and an information binder are available whenever the labyrinth is set up, These provide additional information about the labyrinth. Church pastors will be happy to answer questions about the labyrinth, as well. Come walk and experience the labyrinth!
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
Summer Chapel schedule
June 13 - Holy Communion at 9:45 and noon; 10:15: Service of the Word for Healing with the laying on of hands and anointing with our parish nurse, Ann Gornik
June 20 - 10:15: guided Christian meditation with Jane Reeder
June 27 - Holy Communion at 9:45 and noon; individual prayer time-- resources are available in the chapel
July 4 - 10:15 Service of the Word for Healing including the laying on of hands and anointing with Pastor Susan Gerow
July 11 - Holy Communion at 9:45 and noon; 10:15: guided Christian meditation with Jane Reeder
August 1 - 10:15: Service of the Word for Healing including the laying on of hands and anointing with Pastor Susan Gerow
August 8 - Holy Communion at 9:45 and noon; individual prayer time (resources in the chapel
August 22 - Holy Communion at 9:45 and noon; 10:15: guided Christian meditation with Jane Reeder
Christian Meditation is an ancient Christian tradition of prayer. It involves coming to a stillness of spirit and a stillness of body by praying a mantra: “Maranatha: Come Lord Jesus.” In the stillness, experience God’s presence. “Be still and know I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
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