Washington National Cathedral

 

Prayer & Contemplation


The Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage

Monday–Saturday, 10 am–4 pm; Sunday, 1–4 pm
Located on the crypt level of the Cathedral. Open for quiet prayer and meditation.


The center invites you to explore its diverse offerings of spiritual growth through communities gathered in prayer, devotional practices and reflection.


Community of Reconciliation/Benedictine Spirituality
Mondays, 6 pm in the CCPP

Explore the principles of living a balanced life, and learn more about the ecumenical cathedral-based Community of Reconciliation. Each gathering concludes with Centering Prayer.

Centering Prayer
Tuesdays, 6–7 pm; Wednesdays, 8:10–8:30 am

Open your entire being to God’s presence during this time of silent prayer as you move beyond thoughts, words and emotions into a quiet communion with the Divine. The Tuesday sessions include a time for teaching and discussion.

Christian Meditation: Silence, Stillness, Simplicity
Fourth Saturdays, 10–11

Experience a rhythm of contemplative prayer that includes a reading from one of the great contemplatives, a period of silent meditation, and time for sharing and reflection.

Listening for God
Tuesdays, 5 pm

Hear the word of God in reading Holy Scripture, in silence, and by sharing with others in prayerful listening.

The Spiritual Journey of Men
3rd Sundays, 5:30 pm; Last Tuesdays, 7:15 pm

Come together with other men in this contemplative gathering designed to provide an environment to share stories, offer support, and pray for each other.


Except as noted, gatherings meet in the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage. Located on the crypt level of the Cathedral and accessible through the Visitor’s Center or Resurrection Chapel. For more information about any of these gatherings call (202) 537-5246.

 

Cathedral Crossroads: An Evening of Contemplative Practices
Last Tuesdays, 6–9 pm

Thus says the LORD: Stand at the crossroads, and look,
and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it,
and find rest for your souls.
(Jeremiah 6.16)

In the spirit of cathedral hospitality, Cathedral Crossroads offers you an opportunity to discover ancient paths. Walk the labyrinth with the backdrop of sacred music, engage in group Centering Prayer, or discover new ways of becoming more mindful of the Spirit during one of our special programs.

For more information and inquires please contact Terri Lynn Simpson at (202) 537-5246 or e-mail tsimpson@cathedral.org.


The Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage is…

  • A welcoming space that opens its doors to all seekers and pilgrims in the tradition of cathedral hospitality…
  • A teaching space that introduces a variety of spiritual disciplines within the context of the Christian contemplative heritage…
  • A nurturing space that helps individuals to grow spiritually along their life’s pilgrimage journey, and…
  • A sacred space where the light of the knowledge of God shines brightly in all that it is, and through all that it offers.

 

Music, Meditation, and the Labyrinth

Last Tuesday of every month 6:30–8:45 pm
as part of the Cathedral Crossroads program, 6–9 pm

Walking the labyrinth is a form of meditation that helps us calm our minds, center ourselves, and refresh our souls. Come walk the Cathedral’s canvas labyrinth with a backdrop of sacred music. Spend time in reflection during these special, open evenings at the Cathedral. The last walkers will be admitted at 8:30 pm and night prayers will be offered at the labyrinth’s close. For more information call (202) 537-5246 or e-mail tsimpson@cathedral.org.

 

Cathedral Pilgrimages

Spend time praying, worshiping, and reflecting on your personal journey amid the Cathedral’s sacred spaces. The Cathedral Pilgrimage Program offers you an opportunity to escape the busyness of the world while you refresh your spirit, nurture your soul, and awaken to the presence of God. Additional resources are available for Journey To Adulthood (J2A) groups planning a pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. To learn more, contact the Pilgrimage Office at (202) 537-2373 or pilgrimages@cathedral.org. Day Pilgrimage costs: $40, adults; $35, students and senior citizens 65 & over; $30, NCA members.