Introduction to Prayer

Communing with the Triune God

Spring 2021

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Class Meets on Thursdays at 7:00pm CT

Thursday, January 7 - Thursday, February 25

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Course Instructor: Jonathan J. Armstrong

Learning to pray is the proper starting point for the study of theology. As Evagrius Ponticus, the fourth-century Christian writer, said: “He who prays truly is a theologian; he who is a theologian prays truly.” This course is designed to give class participants a basic introduction to the practice and theology of prayer in the Christian tradition. Course sessions will explore the theological framework of prayer and study the prayers of the Bible as a pattern for our own prayers. Following this class, students will be able to evaluate the dynamics of their personal prayer lives and be prepared to lead corporate prayer services.

Lectio Divina

Learning to Pray the Scriptures

Spring 2021

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Class Meets on Thursdays at 7:00pm CT

Thursday, March 11 - Thursday, April 29

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Course Instructor: Matthew Dereck

Lectio Divina is a Latin phrase that means “sacred reading.” It is an ancient practice that utilizes a rich reading of the Word of God to guide the Christian in prayer. Lectio Divina was developed by the Benedictine monastics in the medieval era and has been used draw Christians from a variety of backgrounds together in prayer. This course will survey the biblical foundations, history, and practice of Lectio Divina. Following this course, students will be able to implement the practice of Lectio Divina using the Psalms and other passages of Scripture to facilitate ecumenical prayer, promote the growth of new prayer groups, and enliven personal and corporate prayer services.

Spiritual Disciplines in the Age of Virtual Reality

Fall 2021

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Class Meets on Thursdays at 7:00pm CT

Thursday, August 19 - Thursday, October 7

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Course Instructor: Jonathan Armstrong

What is virtual reality (VR) and how will it change the life of the church in the future? Living in the digital age presents many distractions, but there are also new opportunities to share the gospel and for communal devotion. This course will explore the way that evangelicalism has appealed to technology in the past for the purposes of Christian mission as well as sketching out a theology of technology that will allow us to reflect on technological innovation from a Christian perspective.

Prayer in the History of Revival

Fall 2021

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Class Meets on Thursdays at 7:00pm CT

Thursday, October 14 - Thursday, December 9

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Course Instructor: Matthew Dereck

Whenever revival have occurred throughout history, devout prayer has been at the heart of those movements. This course will survey key revivals from the First Great Awakening in the 1730’s to the modern era and the integral role of prayer in each. In addition, this course will consider the theological foundations for prayer and revival. Following this course, class participants will have a deeper knowledge of the role of prayer in revival history and will be equipped to pray for revival in the modern church.