Doors to the Sacred

Spiritual Conversation Group

A group of ten of us have just completed a series of six encounters in spiritual conversation with each other, and with God. What a rich experience it has been. It was devised and led by Elspeth McPherson, who is training to be a Pastoral Worker in the Parish.

We met generally fortnightly, on a Tuesday evening: women from St Bridget's, Caldy and St Agnes'. At our first session we were greeted with a personalised card of welcome accompanying a specially prepared pack of materials. A beautiful focal centre had been prepared, full of symbols, textures and images, with a candle in the middle. The focal centres were different each time, one of the highlights of the meetings: they transformed the atmosphere of the room and led us into ourselves, and into prayer.

Once introductions were over, the candle was lit as we settled to open ourselves to God's loving presence. Elspeth guided us through the stimulus material, and then we were left to be with God, on our own, in silence, to reflect on what we had heard and seen - or, if we preferred, simply to be with God. After about half an hour we reassembled, and those who wished to do so could share something of their reflections. All this was done in an atmosphere of acceptance, non-judgement and openness. Sometimes the shared thoughts were developed further, and then after prayer, silent and spoken, there was time for tea, chat and home-made cake (we took turns!).

Each week had a different theme, material and focus, all starting from the symbol of the doorway. Several people commented that it was a rare opportunity to share our spiritual lives with each other: instead of studying a text, or Scripture, or a book, we were free to explore any spiritual issues uppermost for us. Elspeth wanted "the Word of Life to engage": as she said, you can go home after a marvellous discussion but feel untouched. There were no set words, no formula and no guided debate - and all the way through, a loving acceptance that allowed people to share just as much or as little as they wished, with no obligation.

We explored new ways of praying together, we made new friendships and we shared our inner selves. We also laughed, gave thanks, wrote our own psalms, bought books and cards, did weaving, walked in a garden in the evening, drew a map of our faith history, wrote poetry, handled the hardness of stones and shells, lit candles, sang together and looked out of our own doorways onto the path beyond.

Elspeth plans a similar venture at Caldy Church in the Autumn - I urge you to sign up!

Paula Cobby

July 2009