‘I cannot tell you how surprised I was the first time I felt my heart begin to warm.
It was real warmth too, not imaginary, and it felt as if it were actually on fire. I was astonished at the way the heat surged up, and how this new sensation brought great and unexpected comfort. I had to keep feeling my breast to make sure there was no physical reason for it! But once I realized that it came entirely from within, that this fire of love had no cause, material or sinful, but was the gift of my Maker, I was absolutely delighted, and wanted my love to be greater. ’
These words, written by the fourteenth century English mystic, Richard Rolle still resonate with people today. They try to put into words an experience or encounter with the divine which goes beyond words and thoughts and can often only be known by its effects. Mystical prayer and those who have attempted to articulate it have increasingly fascinated our world of blogs and twitters. The idea that God can be known intimately within the silence of encounter draws those who would say they never went to church into a search for God.
The workshop on ‘Mysticism for Today’ is just one of a number of events that will be taking place at the Festival of Prayer on 16th July. In it we will not only share our experiences of what Rolle called the ‘fire of love’ but also plumb the depths of the vast body of mystical writings in order to seek guidance on how to discern and nurture this encounter. Whilst this workshop aims to deepen our own Christian search for God, it will also explore the extent to which the mystical aspects of other religions enable us to have a deeper understanding of other people’s faith and devotion. It’s not a place where you will find all the answers but it will be an opportunity to explore and share your love of God.
This is the aim of the Festival of Prayer as a whole. Many people these days feel drawn to the spiritual rather than the religious and in recognition of this the Oxford diocese and Bible Reading Fellowship present a day to enable you to explore different aspects of Christian Spirituality. It is being held at three venues within Cuddesdon including the Ripon College, the Parish Church and Village Hall. Including the workshop on Mysticism which I shall be giving the Cursillo team will be talking about their movement to empower Christians through prayer, study and action. Sister Helen Julian, a Franciscan nun, will be explaining Franciscan prayer whilst Mary Crameri will look at prayer from the Benedictine tradition. Our keynote speaker is Ian Adam who is also holding a workshop on New Monasticism and a member of the Northumbrian Community will speak about how this is lived out today in a Celtic tradition. Along with workshops there will also be a chance to pray and reflect with prayer stations in the church and modern sacred art.
The whole day costs £20 in order to cover costs of travel and you can book a place through the BRF website. We do hope you will take advantage of this wonderful day which has been put on for you and look forward to seeing you there.
Emma Pennington, Vicar of Cuddesdon, Garsington and Horspath
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