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Pathways of Prayer
2025-7-8 | Kate Cogswell
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of prayer? Take a minute and actually answer that question.
Is it a particular memory? A particular prayer? A feeling of confidence – or one of doubt or disappointment?
Many of us have pre-conceived ideas or definitions of prayer – either caught or taught – and sometimes we need to be open to reimagine prayer, to explore what it really is and what it could be.
As part of our 2025 initiative to grow as a community of faith in our prayer practices and rhythms, we are excited to offer another reimagine:prayer mini retreat on September 20, 2025. This mini retreat is part of our transformation pathway at the Grove and is designed to help us reimagine prayer, with the hope that we will each leave encouraged with new tools and a deeper connection with God.
If you are currently worshiping at The Grove and are at a place in your journey that you are open to exploring prayer, I invite you to participate in our next reimagine:prayer mini retreat.
Need more encouragement to attend?
Here are a few thoughts shared by people who attended the first retreat in May:
The prayer retreat offered a beautiful space to spend undistracted time in nature and focus on connecting with God. I appreciated the ability to explore two new or adapted prayer practices that continue to enrich my times with God. The honest sharing was encouraging and made prayer approachable no matter your previous experiences. - Shirley
The prayer mini-retreat was incredible. The organizers managed to create a non-threatening environment, where we could explore some prayer practices that we have never tried before. It was a beautiful day. I know that I needed this chance to explore some different ways to be with God in a prayerful way. It slowed me down enough to hear him speak.
I have been a Christian for 30 years and have never been to any kind of prayer retreat, honestly it sounded scary as this is my weakest spiritual habit. But God pushed me to go and it ended up being an excellent experience. This allowed me to step out and connect with God in a different way that I feel will be a life changing and a bit closer to where He wants me to be. - Victor
Still not convinced or have concerns?
Let me set your mind at ease about at least one thing. No. You won’t be praying out loud for 4 ½ hours – or even required to pray out loud at all -- you will have the freedom to experiment however you are able.
You can expect to explore many facets of prayer through a time of teaching and have retreat time to practice what we learn. We will eat lunch together and have the opportunity to share with each other what we have learned.
We do ask that you come curious and open to reimagining prayer together.
We would love to have you be a part of reimagine:prayer on September 20 from 9-1:30 at the Celery Bog Nature Center. Thanks to a grant we received from Lilly, this year’s retreats are free to attend.