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Come join us!

Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa, a chapter of Contemplative Outreach, LTD,  serves as a gathering place for people committed to the practice of Centering Prayer, a profound form of silent prayer,  and other contemplative practices.  We come from a variety of religious and spiritual backgrounds, including no religious or spiritual background.   We seek to nurture practitioners of Centering Prayer, foster the process of spiritual transformation, and cultivate an inclusive community by offering introductory classes, retreats, and other enrichment opportunities throughout the year.  We also lend support to local Centering Prayer groups.  

 

You’re invited to spend time with our website, which provides information and links to additional Centering Prayer resources as well as other ways to live more contemplatively.   

 

Better yet, come join us at our special and ongoing events or join one of our prayer groups. 

Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa Co-Coordinators:

​Julie Honsey & Cheri Grauer

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Prayer Groups for the Des Moines &  Ames Area

"While centering prayer is done privately most of the time, a weekly sharing of the experience in a small group has proven to be very supportive, as well as a means of continuing education."

-- Fr. Thomas Keating

Upcoming Events

  • Ames Silent Saturday Advent Retreat, Emmanuel: The Miracle
    Ames Silent Saturday Advent Retreat, Emmanuel: The Miracle
    Dec 06, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST
    First Christian Church, 611 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010, USA
    Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa invites you to set aside 3 hours on this first Saturday of Advent to enjoy quiet reflection and Centering Prayer with others.
  • Des Moines: Advent Day of Silence
    Des Moines: Advent Day of Silence
    Dec 06, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CST
    Grace Lutheran Church, 5201 Urbandale Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA
    This Advent, we’re asking a courageous question: What do you fear? In a world still echoing the chaos of Herod’s time—marked by oppression, uncertainty, and unrest—we’re invited to transform fear into hopeful action.

© Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa

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