Praying shapes believing
Why We Pray
When we pray, we open our hearts to receive the love of God. Prayer comes in many forms: as simple as paying attention to your breath, and as intricate as a choral evensong, prayer is what sustains our lives as Christians by constantly returning our attention to the presence of the holy.
One of our core practices at All Souls is intercessory prayer, or prayers for others. In times of joy, concern, confusion, or grief, we pray to hold one another in mind and heart, and to mirror God’s outpouring of love and concern for the wider community.
Throughout the year, we offer several opportunities to deepen individual prayer practice, including Advent and Lenten contemplative gatherings, at-home devotional materials, and spiritual direction.
Leaning on another
Stephen Ministers
Pastoral Care
There are many ways that we give and receive pastoral care at All Souls. For pastoral care in an emergency, call the Parish Office at 510.848.1755 and press 8 for the priest on call. For pastoral appointments reach out to the priests on staff––you’ll find our emails by clicking our bios on this page. We also offer pastoral care through Stephen Ministry, below.
Companionship amid life’s challenges
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministers are lay persons with systematic training and ongoing peer supervision. They provide 1:1 supportive, confidential Christian care for individual All Soulsians requesting companionship as they deal with rough patches in life, including loss, illness, transition, family challenges, and grief.
Stephen Ministers
Where we listen for God
How to Pray
“Absolutely unmixed attention is prayer.” -Simone Weil
To pray is to be in direct relationship with the divine, and to notice the ways that God speaks to us in the ordinary moments of our lives. When we pray, we make space for God to comfort us, to guide us, and to reveal to us where we are called to love and serve.
Pray with us
Become a Prayer Partner
Our Prayer Partner email list shares the concerns of those who ask for ongoing prayer in their lives. Email below to become a Prayer Partner, or to request prayer.
A pilgrim’s path
Jordan Court Labyrinth
Labyrinth-walking differs from an adventure or the challenges of a maze. In walking a labyrinth we know where we are headed and can receive the blessing of an opportunity to release many tensions surrounding our lives. In the labyrinth, our attention can be focused prayerfully, but also honed and broadened by the simple principle of following the path and remaining open to receiving the signs that lead and guide us.
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