Some comments from participants on previous courses:
“The course has re-vitalised my own prayer-life.”
- “The key thing for me has been the sharing of so many timeless ways into knowing the Spirit. In bringing oneself into deeper awareness of God’s grace and his gift of the Holy Spirit.”
“The people – the group dynamic of diversity and experience; the sense of God in all things; the ambiance; the learning circle; the connectedness.”
- “I feel there was a greater depth of spiritual encounter, a presence of God in silence and stillness. I feel I have grown through learning more about the Celtic and more Ignatian style of worship and reflection.”
“The reminders – to try to ‘be still’ and “let go and let God” more effectively – so that I can exercise ‘Open-heartedness’; ‘Prayer-fullness’; and ‘Attentive listening’ in all areas of life and encounters with others. And know with my head and my heart that I am truly loved by God – ‘warts and all’!”
“I listen to God more – I don’t talk as much.”
“Deepened my faith in ‘being’ rather than doing. Drawn wisdom from saints and their writings and life styles.”
“A sense of being still, listening to God in a fresh and new way.”
“It met my expectation on many levels and I will miss being a part of it.”
- “It was amazing and such a privilege to journey with the others in this course.”
“I would just like to say a massive thank you to [the tutors] for the fantastic course – my relationship with God is all the better for it and I’m keen to share the things I have experienced myself with others at church.”
- “It’s also helping me to discern regarding what God wants me to do next.”
“Thank you so much to each of you for running the course. You all have a very gentle, kindly, generous of spirit way of working. You all encouraged without pressurising us. I have gained so much from the experience and will always retain the phrase: ONCE FOR MAINTENANCE, TWICE FOR TRANSFORMATION. I can fully recommend this course.”
“Soul Food has deepened and expanded my experience of prayer”
“Soul Food has helped me explore different ways of praying and being with God, to find what suits me”
“Thank you for [the tutors], for their openness, love and grace during the course.”
“I think this course is amazing … I feel that I have grown spiritually and most certainly been in a deeper place with God while doing the course”
- “The course has introduced me to a number of different ways to pray one to one with God, most of which are very easy to put into practice but also very meaningful…. It has been helpful to try them out first at our sessions together, and also to share with one or two other members of the group how we have found them. Sharing with other like-minded people has helped me consolidate what God is saying to me and what he is doing in my life.”
“The leaders’ approach has been gentle, allowing each of us to discover for ourselves what we find helpful at this time in our Christian walk. It has given us a ‘toolbox’ to use in our prayer times in the future.”
- “The discipline of attending the course over several months and making time to pray has been good, and has helped us to develop a regular habit of prayer.”
“Overall the course has helped me to focus on my relationship with God and his incredible love for me. In addition, I have already suggested/ recommended some of the ways we have prayed to other Christians, and look forward to exploring these tools with others to help us all develop in our prayer life in future.”
“To anyone contemplating the course I would say: Be prepared for a different way of being in the presence of God. It is nothing like intercessions in church!”
“I would recommend this course to all who wish to deepen their relationship with God, with sensitivity.”
“I would definitely recommend it to anyone, as long as they were OK with lots of quiet prayer and reflection.”
“It has achieved exactly what I hoped for – to get closer to God.”
- “It opens up some of the breadth, depth and creativity of God within each one of us.”
“Brilliant course. Such inspirational teachers. Amazing trio of teachers!”
- “I have already mentioned my experiences to a couple of folk, who have shared with me their need for a deepening prayer life.”
“I would like to thank the three facilitators for all they have been, given and shared and for making this journey with us. When and where can I have more?”
“Each of the different ‘tasters’ opened a new door, drew me closer and deeper and it has left me wanting more, more for me and my relationship and that in turn feeds those I feed.”
“I would definitely recommend this course to anyone struggling with regular prayer life or to deepen their prayer life.”
“It has been a wonderful experience, and I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity.”
“It has been a timely stepping stone and has stimulated me to try opening up a new avenue of prayer.”
- “The course has been very comprehensive, topics well-chosen and varied and seamlessly delivered by our 3 tutors. Much thought and care has gone into the content which has been much appreciated.”