Foundations of Prayer and Union with God [Avila Course]

 

One of the most popular courses we offer at the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation is “Foundations of Prayer and Union with God,” which is offered through the School of Spiritual Formation.

Maybe one of the reasons it’s so popular is that it appeals to a deep longing within each of us. Phillip Fleming, who took the class last Quarter, shared this:

I have been a Catholic Christian for over 40 years, and have tried numerous “methods” and “techniques” etc. to improve my prayer life, but have mostly come away frustrated. Naturally this led to some loss of hope, as I never seemed to make much progress. This class has really helped.

“Foundations of Prayer and Union with God” reveals a panoramic view of the breadth and beauty of Catholic prayer tradition from the inception of prayer to the heights of contemplation. It’s a lofty goal, and one that students insist is worth the efforts.

In this course, students learn:

  • How to know God and His love in prayer
  • How to grow deeper in prayer and relationship with God
  • How to overcome obstacles to growth in prayer
  • How to identify and avoid false teachings on prayer
  • Forms of prayer in the Catholic Tradition
  • Vocal prayer
  • A specific approach to meditation
  • Contemplation, including St. Teresa of Avila’s stages of prayer from The Interior Castle

According to recent student Caroline Lucas, “The class was presented with such thoroughness and clarity, I was able to assimilate the information and apply it immediately to my own prayer life and share in conversations with others.”

GREAT NEWS! We have extended the deadline for the second session Spring Quarter (beginning May 4) courses of the School of Spiritual Formation. REGISTER BY APRIL 4! Other courses being offered in this session include:

For more information on any of our programs, please contact me at [email protected] or visit www.Avila-Institute.com.

With live, interactive, online courses, the Avila Institute can bring the classroom to you no matter where you are located in the world. Want to know more about what the Avila Institute has to offer you? Read more here.

About Nicole Garcia

Nicole Garcia is an Admissions Counselor for the Avila Institute. She is excited to speak with anyone who is interested in learning more about the Avila Institute. All those discerning the Avila Institute are in her prayers. Know that if you feel even a tiny pull or interest, Nicole hopes to hear from you!

To learn more about the School of Spiritual Formation or the Graduate Program at the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation, please contact Nicole at [email protected] or 520-429-4524.

This article is reprinted with permission from our friends at Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction.

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