A contemplative prayer retreat will be held on March 2nd from 8-10 am at Peoria Christian Fellowship Church. The retreat will focus on dealing with fear and will include two prayer sessions looking at Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane and a passage from Philippians. The agenda includes an introduction, two prayer sessions with biblical passages, a break for questions and answers, and time for journaling and closing blessing. Various prayer types such as centering prayer, prayer of invitation, and prayer of exam will be used. Additional prompts on the presence of God, freedom, and discerning God's voice will also be provided.

1. Contemplative Prayer
Retreat
Saturday March 2nd
8-10 am
Peoria Christian Fellowship Church

2. Agenda
8 – 815 Introduction of the day
815 – 845 Prayer Session 1
845 – 900 Break and Questions and Answers
900-930 Prayer Session 2
930-945 Responding to God through journaling and
pondering
10 Closing Blessing

3. Fear
Today’s focus will be on God and dealing with fear.
In our first prayer session we will look at Jesus in the garden
of Gethsemane. Luke 22:39-46
In the second prayer session we will look at Philippines 4:11-
14

4. Session 1
And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of
Olives; and the disciples also followed Him. When He arrived at the
place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into
temptation." And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw,
and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, "Father, if You are
willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be
done." Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening
Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His
sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.
When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found
them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, "Why are you
sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation.“
Luke 22:39-46 NASB

5. Session 2
Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in
whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with
humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in
any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being
filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and
suffering need. I can do all things through Him who
strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share
with me in my affliction.
Philippians 4:11-14 NASB

6. Types of Prayers You Can Use
• Centering Prayer – using a word of phrase to conter on the Lord
while you listen
• Prayer of Invitation – inviting God into your pain, situation or
problems. Resting in the presence of the Holy Spirit as your mind
listens for Jesus standing at the door of your life knocking.
• Prayer of Exam – Asking the Spirit to reval moments in the past
week He has been near to you. Then honoring God for His
presence.

7. Additional Prompts or helps
• The Presence of God – What has a hold on me has a hold on what
I am becoming in this moment. I pause and become aware of
God’s hold on me.
• Freedom – God help me live as you intended and not captured by
fear or worry. Grant me courage and faith to live free.
• Conversation – God’s sheep know His voice. Silence my inner
voices that seek to imamate You and awaken my spirit to know
Your voice above all others as I read Your word.