Contemplative Listening Circles
Overview
Contemplative Listening Circles (CLC’s) make up the heart of programming here at the Center for Contemplative Leadership. These small groups, often called Group Spiritual Direction or Group Spiritual Companionship elsewhere, centralize listening prayer as a means for connecting with God and neighbor. Guided by a trained facilitator, each circle typically consists of 4-5 participants. In a framework of equally shared spiritual leadership, participants are invited to listen to the Spirit on one another’s behalf over the course of a 90-minutes session.
Here’s what you can expect in a typical Contemplative Listening Circle session:
1. Opening Meditation: The facilitator offers an opening prayer or meditation
~ 3-5 min. Of Silence ~
2. 1st Presentation to the Group: One participant offers a little bit of what’s on their heart. Sometimes this is a recollection of a few recent experiences in one’s spiritual journey. Sometimes it’s a deeper question from one’s studies or simply what stood out in the silence.
~ 3-5 min. Of Silence ~
3. Responses from the Group: This is a chance for group members to pray “What is God’s desire for the person who just spoke?” Sometimes group members will respond to the person who spoke by naming what they noticed while listening. Sometimes, group members respond by offering an image that came to them in silence. Sometimes they respond by saying nothing – rather, they simply offer a loving presence.
~ 3-5 min. Of Silence ~
4. Quiet Prayer & Repeating the Process: At this point, the group closes in silent prayer and repeats the process for the next person who feels led by the Spirit to offer some of what’s on their heart.
Getting Involved
We offer a variety of Contemplative Listening Circle opportunities here at the CCL, so that anyone can try them out in a way that best fits their background. Whether you’re new to listening prayer or have years of familiarity with contemplative spirituality, we have programs for you!
“Taste of CLC’s” – These free, 90-min. sessions occur twice per year on Zoom, so you can experience this practice for yourself in a simple and convenient way.
Learn More and Register Here
“Listening Circles Community” – These 6-month cohorts available on zoom give you the full CLC experience with a committed facilitator and steady small group.
This is a forthcoming program, please check back soon for more info.
“GSD Training Workshop” – Offered twice per year on Zoom, in collaboration with the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, these weekend trainings provide you the skills necessary to facilitate these groups on your own.
“Peer Mentors’ Circle” – Once per month, the CCL offers gatherings over zoom for those who would like the community and fellowship of others in contemplative leadership.
Please Email Us to Register
Here’s a visual to help explain how one might move through our CLC programming:
Please note, if you are a current student local to Princeton, NJ, we encourage you to sign-up for our free, in-person Student CLC cohorts. Learn more here.
If you have any questions or would simply like to learn more, please feel free to reach out to wesley.tenney-free@ptsem.edu anytime!