Discipline of the Month

You are invited to begin this time with a breath prayer. As you enter into a stillness, use these words to align with your breath. Explore this breath prayer for this month as a way to center your body, mind and soul.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Lead me Lord

Exhale: I trust You

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THE CENTER PRAYER

Will you pray for the Center for Spiritual Formation?  

Dear God:

We pray for the life and ministry of the Center:
May it become a healing stream
for those who would be sustained by prayer;
May it become an ever-flowing river
for those whose spirits have grown dry;
May it become a fountain of life,
for those who would practice their faith
in a dry and thirsty land;
And may it nourish the seed of your Word—
the Church,
yielding a bountiful harvest for your
Kingdom.
AMEN

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Specific Prayer Needs of the Center

Please join in prayer for these specific needs of the work of the Center in this season.  If you would like to help with provision for these needs, contact Rhonda Strouse at director.rhonda@centerformation.org

Lord, let your Love flow through the Center…

May you bring those souls who are wandering and wondering into the fold of the Center so that there may be a soothing and settling…

Where there is a want for safe holding, let us be a space of Love’s enduring presence – in the silence, in the uncertainty, in the noise…always in and through You…

Lead us in your ways of wisdom and movement that brings what is just and merciful in our world – making way for all to find their voice and holding one another up where the mountain is steep…as we climb closer to you together…

Let Love stir in our minds, hearts, and souls…in all pursuits toward which You call us as advocates – In the Spirit…

May it be so. May it be so. May it be so…

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Featured Prayer From Jaidymar Alicea

God of refuge and welcome. God of community and belonging. God, to you we pray and open our hearts. You have created everything and said it was good because everything was created to belong together. You have created your people to be not in isolation, but in community. You have set the example for us as you saw, walked alongside, and loved unconditionally. You are the One who makes a way for acceptance and reconciliation to take place. In you we find refuge, for you are our shelter. You are our home when the world feels foreign. You are El Roi, the God who sees us. You know everything about us and still make room for us. Thank you for welcoming us, for loving, for listening, for caring and for being with us always. We matter, we belong, and we are held in Your grace. Guide us as we do our best to reflect your image unto others. Helps us to abide in love so that together we build community and belonging. Strengthen us to be courageous to show up and uplift one another. Let your church be a refuge, a place where strangers become part of the family. Let your church be a safe space for those seeking to belong. As Ruth found family in a foreign land, as the prodigal son was welcomed with joy, so may we open our arms to one another with the same grace that you have shown to us. Anchor us in your love, O God, and send us to be a refuge for others. In the name of Christ we pray, Amen!

My name is Jaidymar and I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. I have a deep love for people and truly enjoy connecting with others, listening to their stories, sharing life, and walking together in faith. Whether I’m serving in the church or simply spending time with someone over coffee, my heart is to reflect God’s love and create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

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Prayer from the Center’s Archives

The Center for Spiritual Formation has a treasure trove of prayers collected over the years through our Ministry of Spiritual Direction training, retreats and workshops.

Lord, since you exist, we exist. Since you are beautiful, we are beautiful. Since you are
good, we are good. By our existence we honor you. By our beauty we glorify you. By
our goodness, we love you.

Lord, through your power all things were made. Through your wisdom all things are
governed. Through your grace all things are sustained. Give us power to serve you,
wisdom to discern your laws, and grace to obey those at all times.

~Edmond of Abingdon, c. 1180-1240 CE

You are invited to begin this time with a breath prayer. As you enter into a stillness, use these words to align with your breath. Explore this breath prayer for this month as a way to center your body, mind and soul.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Lead me Lord

Exhale: I trust You

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THE CENTER PRAYER

Will you pray for the Center for Spiritual Formation?  

Dear God:

We pray for the life and ministry of the Center:
May it become a healing stream
for those who would be sustained by prayer;
May it become an ever-flowing river
for those whose spirits have grown dry;
May it become a fountain of life,
for those who would practice their faith
in a dry and thirsty land;
And may it nourish the seed of your Word—
the Church,
yielding a bountiful harvest for your
Kingdom.
AMEN

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Specific Prayer Needs of the Center

Please join in prayer for these specific needs of the work of the Center in this season.  If you would like to help with provision for these needs, contact Rhonda Strouse at director.rhonda@centerformation.org

We present this prayer to the Holy One to whom all praise and gratitude are given as we seek to travel the sacred pathway of the Center…

Lord, let your provision flow through the Center…

May Your Light be reflected in prayerful giving and serving that keeps the work and commitment of the Center known out in the world …near and far…

May your invitation and call be heard for those who journey with the Center – in the past, now, and time to come – to sustain and grow the reach of the Center in teaching, training, and leading…to extend safe harbor and love for all…

Let us be connected and threaded with co-laborers in the Spirit in fresh and creative ways so we may encounter You in ways unimagined for Your will and Your way…through voices yet unheard and places not yet known…

We are grateful for all You provide…now and for the ages…

Amen.

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Featured Prayer from Debbie Heisley-Cato

MAKE A PILGRIMAGE

A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place or a place of spiritual significance. There are places made holy by many prayers or by great acts of courage for the sake of others. There are also places of personal meaning, sacred to us because of the memories they hold or because they have been spaces where we have encountered the Presence. Often being in these liminal places can give us a new perspective or lead to personal transformation. The Center at Orchard Hill has been such a place.

Is there a Holy Place that is calling to your spirit just now?

• Make the journey to that place in reality or in your imagination.
• Become as fully present as you can in that space. Listen to the sounds around you. See the colors and the contrasts. Breath deeply, take in the aroma of the place. Touch and feel the place where you sit or stand. Notice how your body responds, how your soul is stirred.

Are there echoes of the past, of other prayers, experiences, or people who have come to this place?

• Sit quietly and simply be present for as long as the Spirit leads you to be.
• Pray the words of the prophet Samuel, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”
• Accept the “something” or what seems like “nothing” that is given to you in these moments. It is for God to decide, and for you to be grateful.
• If journaling is one of your practices, take some time to reflect on and record your reflections from this time with The Holy.
• Gently return to your everyday life, knowing that even if you are unaware of how, you have been shaped by being consciously in the Presence.

Deborah grew up in Pennsylvania and attended Clarion State College (now Clarion University). She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster PA, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC. Now retired, she has served as pastor of churches and served as District Superintendent with the United Methodist Church in Pennsylvania. Deborah has served on the Board of the Center for Spiritual Formation since its founding. She graduated from the Ministry of Spiritual Direction and currently provides Spiritual Direction. Deborah is married to Randall and the mother of adult children Forrest and Joanna.

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Prayer from the Center’s Archives

The Center for Spiritual Formation has a treasure trove of prayers collected over the years through our Ministry of Spiritual Direction training, retreats and workshops.

Life’s Pilgrimage:
Alone with none but thee O God,
I journey on my way.
What need I fear, when thou art near
O king of night and day?
More safe am I within your hand
Than if a host did round me stand.
~Columba, c. 521-97 CE

Pilgrim God, there is an exodus going on in our lives: desert stretches, a vast land of questions. Inside our heads your promises tumble and turn. There is no pillar of cloud by day or fire at night that we can see. Our hearts hurt at leaving loved ones and so much of the security that we have known. We try to give-in to the stretching and the pain. It is hard, God, and we want to be settled, secure, safe and sure. And here we are feeling so full of the pilgrim’s fear and anxiety. O God of the journey, lift us up, press us against your cheek. Let your great love hold us and create a deep trust within us. Then, God of the journey, set us down; take our hands in yours, and gently guide us across the new territory of our lives.
~Adapted from Joyce Rupp

You are invited to begin this time with a breath prayer. As you enter into a stillness, use these words to align with your breath. Explore this breath prayer for this month as a way to center your body, mind and soul.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Prince of Peace

Exhale: Calm my soul

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THE CENTER PRAYER

Will you pray for the Center for Spiritual Formation?  

Dear God:

We pray for the life and ministry of the Center:
May it become a healing stream
for those who would be sustained by prayer;
May it become an ever-flowing river
for those whose spirits have grown dry;
May it become a fountain of life,
for those who would practice their faith
in a dry and thirsty land;
And may it nourish the seed of your Word—
the Church,
yielding a bountiful harvest for your
Kingdom.
AMEN

---

Specific Prayer Needs of the Center

Please join in prayer for these specific needs of the work of the Center in this season.  If you would like to help with provision for these needs, contact Rhonda Strouse at director.rhonda@centerformation.org

We present this prayer to the Holy One to whom all praise and gratitude are given as we seek to travel the sacred pathway of the Center…

O Gracious God, Hear Our Prayers…

May there be Generosity so the Center may thrive in its continuing
growth and outreach through resources that support our
community of hospitality, leading, teaching, learning and
engaging…

May there be a small still voice that rises for those who are called
to lead and serve as part of the Center’s community for our
Center Board, retreat facilitators, and special initiatives…

May God’s provision be bold as we seek to sustain, maintain, and
grow the Center’s outreach on the mountain and online through
our offerings of spiritual teaching and learning…

May we receive holy wisdom for our discernments, movements,
and responses for all the Center receives – held in a sacred trust
secured by the Holy One…

May It Be So, May It Be So, May It Be So…

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Featured Prayer from Hannah Pratt Sledge

Breathe in… two, three, four
Breathe out… two, three, four
Breathe deep.
Breathe free.
Breathe until you become still.

Now, think of someone you love.
Picture being in their presence.
Breathe and rest there awhile.
Be and breathe….

God of every breath,
You are near to us.
Nearer than the air that fills our lungs.
You are Peace when our world spins.
Calm when our minds race.

Into the chaos of our lives,
You breathe peace.
“Peace. Be still.”

To our anxious hearts — “Peace. Be still.”
To our weary minds — “Peace. Be still.”
To every storm within or around us —
“Peace. Be still.”

Even when the winds howl and waters rise.
Even when we cannot see clearly,
Even when we doubt.
You are still here. You are still good.
You are still God.

So we breathe again —
Not with fear, but with faith.
Not with hurry, but with hope.
Not with striving, but with surrender.

Breathe in Your peace.
Breathe out Your love.
Breathe in Your presence.
Breathe out Your praise.

We rest now in You. Amen.

Rev. Hannah Pratt Sledge is a 2014 graduate of Messiah University and a 2017 graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary. She currently serves as the Lead Pastor at Hope Church in Mechanicsburg, PA. She is married to Rev. Kristopher Sledge, and together they have a daughter Lydia! Hannah loves to read, travel, and run outside!

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Prayer from the Center’s Archives

The Center for Spiritual Formation has a treasure trove of prayers collected over the years through our Ministry of Spiritual Direction training, retreats and workshops.

O God, who art the unsearchable abyss of peace,
the ineffable sea of love, the fountain of blessings
and the bestower of affection,
who sendest peace to those that receive it;
Open to us this day the sea of your love
and water us with plenteous streams
from the riches of thy grace
and from the sweet springs of thy kindness.
Make us children of quietness and heirs of peace,
enkindle in us the fire of your love;
sow in us thy fear;
strengthen our weakness by thy power;
bind us closely to thee and to each other
in our firm and indissoluble bond of unity.
~Syrian Clementine Liturgy

You are invited to begin this time with a breath prayer.  As you enter into a stillness, use these words to align with your breath. Explore this breath prayer for this month as a way to center your body, mind and soul.

BREATH PRAYER 

Inhale: Filled with love

Exhale: To share freely

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THE CENTER PRAYER

Will you pray for the Center for Spiritual Formation?  

Dear God:

We pray for the life and ministry of the Center:
May it become a healing stream
for those who would be sustained by prayer;
May it become an ever-flowing river
for those whose spirits have grown dry;
May it become a fountain of life,
for those who would practice their faith
in a dry and thirsty land;
And may it nourish the seed of your Word—
the Church,
yielding a bountiful harvest for your
Kingdom.
AMEN

---

Specific Prayer Needs of the Center

Please join in prayer for these specific needs of the work of the Center in this season. 
If you would like to help with provision for these needs, contact Rhonda Strouse at director.rhonda@centerformation.org

LOVE’S JUSTICE AND MERCY

We present this prayer to the Holy One to whom all praise and gratitude are given as we seek to travel the sacred pathway of the Center…

O Gracious God, Hear Our Prayers for Love’s Justice and Mercy…

May the Center be led by Love’s Justice and Mercy as we extend an invitation to all to share in your holy call of abiding in you…

May the Center be a place of safe haven for all people of God seeking holy refuge and freedom to be loved unconditionally…enable us with your wisdom, offerings, and presence  as we lead and serve through You.

Bring us together from wherever we may be…unified through Love’s Spirit…

A voice of unity in our call and our want to reflect your very being with those we encounter… reflecting Love’s presence… and also for ourselves…and as one sacred community.

May it be so, May it be so, May it be so.

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Featured Prayer From Jacqueline Hollowell

God of love you formed us not only with the ability to love but with the need and desire to be loved.  There is a space deep within that can only be housed and filled by the love of the father. We hear your call of love from deep inside and often attempt  to respond with empty futile things that are fleeting. In reality only your love can satisfy and fulfill the void, the cravings and the unsettling within our souls. Your Love produces joy, peace, contentment and so much more that neither this world nor anyone or anything can offer. Your love is expressed and exemplified day in and day out in subtle and profound ways. Something as simple as the birds singing at sunrise and even the sun rise itself. It could also be more profound like providing or meeting a need, be it physical, financial, mental, emotional or spiritual. You value people and when or as that value emerges love is demonstrated. Your love offers acceptance over abandonment, correction over condemnation, reception over rejection. It’s not exclusive but inclusive and gives freely and consistently without merit. It lasts throughout eternity.  Thank you for the gift of love through Jesus Christ our Lord who gave his life for us. May your love continually flow in us and through us. 

Jacqueline Hollowell is a 2016 graduate of the Ministry of Spiritual Direction training program.  She lives in Lexington, Kentucky where she ministers in prayer, grace, and care.

Prayer from the Center’s Archives

The Center for Spiritual Formation has a treasure trove of prayers collected over the years through our Ministry of Spiritual Direction training, retreats and workshops.

I learned for certain that love was our Lord’s meaning.
And I saw for certain, both here and elsewhere,
that before ever he made us, God loved us;
and that his love has never slackened,
nor ever shall.
In this love all his works have been done,
and in this love he has made everything serve us;
and in this love our life is everlasting.
Our beginning was when we were made,
But the love in which he made us
never had beginning.
In it we have our beginning.
All this we shall see in God for ever.
May Jesus grant this.
~Julian of Norwich, 1342-1416