Method: Spiritual Conversation in Small Groups
Spiritual conversation is an important form of group prayer. "Those who feared God spoke with one another, and God listened attentively (Malachai 3:16)." This conversation is deeply rooted in faith - humble, poor, open and willing to learn or to teach, to forgive and to be forgiven, to be loved and to love.
The following reminders facilitate the mode of expressing and listening:
- The major activity of any small group sharing is grateful listening.
- Every person is an expert on his or her own experience.
- Times of silence are very appropriate and needed.
- Confidentiality is important. No one should be "quoted" outside the group conversation.
- Participation in a small group is not a communal performance. Share what you can but not what you can't. Listening is an important form of participation. As you go around the circle if you choose not to share simply indicate this by saying: "I'll pass for now."
- Describe your experience, views, concerns, questions, etc., in a brief, clear manner. Small group interchange is not the place to homilize, monopolize, convert others to your point of view or continually "impose" your favorite topic or idea upon others. Make "I" statements not "we" statements.
- This is not the place for extended discussions, solving problems, rescuing, deciding, debating, interfering with another's contribution.