A Lenten Day of Prayer
On March 17, it is popular to honor St. Patrick on his feast day. In addition to converting the Irish to Christianity, the saint is rumored to have also driven the snakes out of Ireland. On Saturday March 17, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church is sponsoring a Day of Prayer and, as a nod to St. Patrick, it is entitled “Chasing away the Snakes.”
What “snakes” may be troubling your inner life? What are those things preventing you from living the full life of grace God intended for you? The day will flow between three short talks, followed by ample time for walking, contemplation, and prayer alone or with an experienced prayer team or clergy. At the end of the day, we will release our “snakes” to God and we’ll celebrate new insights and tools for increasing mental and spiritual well-being.
Keith Christensen, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, recently left a full-time counseling position and is Pastoral Care Coordinator at Good Shepherd. Keith will usher in our time of inner listening with a talk on Mindfulness and “Being Present.” How do we quiet the voices of anxiety, fear, or distraction to be present to God, ourselves or others?
George Heilner, MA, LPA, provides outpatient treatment for veterans with combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and consults with cardiac rehab patients in stress management. George will speak to us about trauma and its consequences in our lives and in the lives of our families.
Benita Esposito, MA, LPC, specializes in couples counseling, healing emotional roots of disease, and counseling Highly Sensitive People. Benita will address the importance of offering compassion and kindness to ourselves, forgiving our mistakes and shortcomings as well as forgiving others.
The Day of Prayer begins with arrival at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church (495 Herbert Hills Dr., Hayesville, NC) 9:30-10:00 am and will conclude with a closing service around 3:30 pm . A light lunch will be served. There is no charge to participate in this event and all are welcome. For more information, please call the Good Shepherd office at 828-389- 3397.
Please share this invitation with anyone in need of quiet time to listen to God, prayer for healing with compassionate prayer ministers, private confession with clergy, or anyone trying to find peace. Isn’t it time to stop running from whatever “snakes” trouble you?