Contemplative Prayer Workshop
with Br. James Dowd, OSB

February 18, 10:00AM - 1:00 pm

St. Timothy's Episcopal Church
1020 24th St., West Des Moines, IA

• Do you struggle with how to be still or how to gain some inner silence?
• Have you wondered what centering prayer is?
• Want to know more about it?
• Looking for a new and meaningful prayer practice?

The Episcopal Diocese of Iowa is pleased to partner with Br. James Dowd, who will present a workshop on Contemplative Prayer. Br. James has practiced for many years as a Benedictine monk, and he will share his wealth of knowledge and experience with us. This is open to everyone; ALL are invited to this special event.

Questions? Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Any schedule changes (ie. inclement weather) will be posted on: www.iowaepiscopal.org

Download Flyer  Register Here

Preparing the Way...

February 25^th, 9 am to noon

Northminster Presbyterian Church, 1416 20th St in Ames 50010.

Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa invites you to set aside 3 hours on the first Saturday of Lent to explore quiet reflection and Centering Prayer. The focus will be on deepening our awareness of God’s presence in our Lenten experiences as we prepare to celebrate this season and the gift of Resurrection. Each participant will receive a reflection booklet and time to reflect in silence as well as opportunities to join in Centering Prayer with the group.
A $15 donation will be accepted at the event, or it can be mailed to:
COCI, c/o Tim Goldman, 709 22nd St. West Des Moines, IA. 50265

For details, please Download flyer   Please Register Here

United in Prayer Day

Friday/Saturday, March 3rd & 4th

A free, globally-hosted 24-hour day of prayer accessible via Zoom

In the global unity of silence as God’s first language, we hold vigil for suffering humanity and all creation, and we honor Fr. Thomas Keating’s birthday (March 7) and the growing presence of Christ among us.

Join in silence and community at any time, as many times as you are able. Each hour will include at least 20 minutes of Centering Prayer, followed by an offering from the hosting group, which may include a video segment, the practice of Lectio Divina, selected readings, community sharing, chanting, etc.

No registration necessary.  More information on schedule and Zoom link will be posted on www.contemplatieveoutreach.org in February.

Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop

March 4, 9 am – 2 pm
St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church 1020 24 ^th St, West Des Moines, IA.

This workshop offers an introduction to Centering Prayer, an updated method of prayer that has been practiced by ordinary Christians for centuries. It is a way to open ourselves in silence to God's presence and loving action within us. Centering Prayer encourages a growing intimacy wih God and can have a profound effect on how we feel about ourselves and how we relate to others. Centering Prayer facilitates the movement from more active modes of prayer into a receptive prayer of resting in God and a discipline to deepen our relationship with God. 

In addition to learning about about the basic elements of Centering Prayer, there will be time for discussion and the practice of this contemplative prayer form.

Download Flyer   Register Here

Somewhat Silent Saturday

March 4, 9 am - 4 pm
St John Lutheran is at 715 College St, Cedar Falls, IA.

You are invited! The day will include:

1. Morning and Evening Prayer Services, based on resources from the Northumbria Community;
2. Sessions for Centering Prayer;
3. A brief Centering Prayer seminar;
4. Creative time with options -
   *to walk a Labyrinth or to use a hand/sand labyrinth;
   *journaling, letter writing, and other activities participants might initiate;
   *participate in Jo-Yo, a movement practice that incorporates journaling and yoga;
   *to participate in an introduction to "Breath as Prayer;"
   *to meet with another pilgrim to be in dialog about your life journey; or
   *to walk or sit, and contemplate outdoors or in the sanctuary.

The only cost for this event is a donation for expenses such as the meal. The event itself will be led by local members of Contemplative Outreach of Northeast Iowa.

If you are planning to attend, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name and phone number no later than Monday, February 27. We appreciate this for our planning.

No further registration is needed.
More details will be shared with those persons who register.

Download Flyer

O Lord, Hear My Prayer
A Service featuring
Songs and Prayers of Taizè

March 12th, 7 pm
St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way, Ames  IA.

We invite you to join us for worship with lovely music, prayers and silence

Come celebrate the liturgical season of Lent with a contemplative worship experience featuring lovely meditative chants, music, scripture, and silence.

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Good Friday: Seven Sacred Pauses

Immanuel UMC, 2900 49th Street
April 7th
6:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m.  
Noon 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.  6:00 p.m.
Paul Witmer

Toward Emptiness: A Post-Intensive,
8-Day Centering Prayer Retreat

July 14-21, 2023
Benet House, Rock Island IL

This Post-Intensive Retreat will consist of continuous periods of Centering Prayer from before sunrise until the dinner hour, with breaks for meals. Attendees may participate in as much prayer as they are called to. Short pauses for entering and leaving the silence will be offered every 30 minutes. There will be no teaching and no reading during this immersion in silence. Veteran retreat leaders Chris Frantsvog and Paul Witmer look forward to hosting you for this journey into deep silence.

Cost: $780 single includes all meals and private bathroom
           $710 double occupancy (limited number of rooms available)

Note: All retreatants must be fully vaccinated. You will be contacted after registration with information on how to provide proof. Each registrant must also complete a short Covid questionnaire upon arrival, and wear a mask when going through the buffet line at the monastery.

Download the flyer   Register Here