Washington National Cathedral

 

Cathedral Crossroads


Labyrinth

Join us for an evening offering
of contemplative practices
music and reflection


Last Tuesday of the month, 6–9 pm

On the last Tuesday evening of each month, the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage at Washington National Cathedral presents Cathedral Crossroads, an evening of contemplative practice that is free and open to the public. Participants come to walk the labyrinth, attend the Centering Prayer gathering, receive healing from a laying on of hands for healing or simply sit in the twilight quiet of the nave listening to the strains of harp and Native American flute music that accompanies the labyrinth walks.

As part of each evening, special programs are presented at 7:30 pm that create opportunities for engaging with diverse aspects of spiritual practices or interfaith devotions.

The evening concludes with a brief time of night prayers in the Great Choir. Cathedral Crossroads is free and open to the public.


6–7 pmCentering Prayer in the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage
6:30–8:45 pmLabyrinth Walk accompanied by harpist in the nave
6:30–8:45 pmLaying on of Hands for Healing in Holy Spirit Chapel
7:30–8:30 pm
(unless noted)
Special Program in Bethlehem Chapel (unless noted)
 August 26, 7:15–8:30 pm: Twilight Contemplative Walk, led by Kathy Spaar. Meet in Cathedral narthex. Please note earlier than usual starting time.
 September 30: Transformational Healing with Lynne Shaner.
 October 28: Celebrating the Hindu Harvest Festival of Diwali, a Sacred Circles program offering.
 November 25: Aging, Spirituality and Creativity with the Rev. Dr. Margee Adams Idding.
 December 30: Crossing the Threshold to the New Year with Terri Lynn Simpson.
8:45 pmCompline in the Great Choir

August 26, 7:15–8:30 pm: Twilight Contemplative Walk, led by Kathy Spaar
This month enjoy the beauty of the Cathedral grounds at sunset with periods of silence and devotional readings led by Kathy Spaar, a longtime naturalist and educator of spiritual practices. The program will begin promptly at 7:15 pm; meet in the narthex of the Cathedral to begin the walk.

September 30, 7:30 pm: Transformational Healing with Lynne Shaner
Begin your autumn with an experience that literally will allow you to tap into the divine healer. Advanced EFT Practitioner and contemplative, Lynne Shaner will lead you as you learn about the technique, see demonstrations, and deepen your healing, your spiritual journey, and your joy.



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Centering Prayer Program

Tuesdays, 6–7 pm
Wednesdays, 8–8:30 am

We may think of prayer as directing our thoughts and feelings to God in words. But this is only one expression. Centering prayer is an opening of mind and heart—our whole being—to the Holy One, beyond thoughts, words and emotions. We open our awareness to the divine presence that we know is within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing—closer than consciousness itself.
—Father Thomas Keating

Come learn and practice this ancient way of Christian meditation on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7 pm in the Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage. The keystone of a full commitment to Christianity’s contemplative dimensions, Centering Prayer is an exercise in letting go. With regular practice, Centering Prayer will release you from the expectations and preconceived notions of your false self so that you may be fully receptive to God. You will be transformed by a new and palpable tranquility that you feel living within you. Through the discussion of spiritual classics, you will learn to rest in the interior silence that is the root of all prayer. Come share in this devotional journey into the unknown.

Wednesday morning sessions are held immediately following the 7:30 am Eucharist in the Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage.