Prayer is not just talking to God. It is also listening to what he has to say. All in the diocese will have an opportunity to explore and practice this important component to prayer on December 6.

The Anglican Fellowship of Prayer, which began its ministry in Pittsburgh in 1958, has been holding yearly prayer days in the diocese for a number of years. This year, the Rev. Dr. Rod Whitacre, will be leading the discussion.

"What I try to do is give an introduction to more contemplative forms of prayer. I try to gear this for newcomers… for people that have not practiced this form of prayer," explained Whitacre.

Whitacre also hopes to particularly focus on two issues that people often wonder about when exploring contemplative prayer. The use of silence and meditation techniques in prayer often create questions about whether or not the practice is really Christian, or instead more related to Eastern religions. There are similarities, but also very large differences, says Whitacre. "The overlap is mainly on the level of practice….When I read Buddhist articles on how to concentrate, I find that helpful. When I read their view of reality, it is radically different," he explained. There is actually a long tradition of contemplative prayer among Christians, stretching back to the monastic movement of the fourth and fifth centuries, he added.

Whitacre plans to dovetail that discussion with one on the place of contemplative prayer in the Bible. Many people, he said, quite fairly ask "What is the biblical basis for this? You don’t see Jesus saying ‘sit down for twenty minutes and be quiet.’"

As was the case last year, Whitacre also hopes for fruitful discussion from participants.

‘Prayer of the Heart’ will be held, Saturday, December 6, at Trinity Cathedral, 325 Oliver Ave., in downtown Pittsburgh between 9 am and 12:30 pm. To RSVP, contact Celinda Scott at 724-463-6436 or Fr. Art Dilge at 724-465-2176.

-posted September 2, 2008-