We live in hectic times in a world full of noise. Robert Sarah captures our predicament: “Our world no longer hears God because it is constantly speaking, at a devastating speed and volume, in order to say nothing. Modern civilization does not know how to be quiet.”

Do you want to learn how to be quiet and hear God? These half-day workshops are aimed at that question and attempt to provide you with a course of action. The method offered is a type of Christian contemplative prayer called Centering Prayer. Centering Prayer was designed to help you cultivate a special kind of interior silence so that you can draw close to and rest in God’s presence.

What All Contemplative Prayer Workshops Have in Common:

  • Schedule: Workshops start at 1:00 PM and end at 5:15 PM.
  • Location: Workshops are conducted at our retreat site at 15 Bear Knoll Dr., Asheville, NC.
  • Teaching Philosophy: Gregg’s belief is that we learn best by engaging in a variety of learning activities. Therefore, during each hour, we will move back and forth between brief didactic presentations, group discussions, and experiential exercises. At the end of each hour, there will be a short break.
  • Practice: The best way to learn contemplative prayer is through practice. Therefore, during each hour, we will dedicate 20 minutes to the practice of Centering Prayer. This will be a time of sitting in silence.

Selecting the Workshop that is Right for You

Contemplative Prayer for Beginners

This workshop is designed for anyone who is curious about and wants to learn more about contemplative prayer. Therefore, you are welcome whether you have no experience in contemplative prayer or if you have been practicing for years.

To learn more and to register, click here.

Contemplative Prayer for Couples

This workshop is for anyone in a committed, long term relationship who wants to learn more about the intersection of intimate relationships and contemplative prayer. You are welcome to come by yourself or with your partner.

To learn more and to register, click here.

Contemplative Prayer for Mental Health Providers

This workshop is for professionals in the field of mental health—that is, counselors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and pastoral counselors.

To learn more and to register, click here.

Dates for 2020

November 7th: Contemplative Prayer for Beginners

November 14th: Contemplative Prayer for Couples

December 5th: Contemplative Prayer for Mental Health Professionals

About Your Presenter: Dr. Gregg Blanton

Gregg started his private practice in Asheville in 1998. He is a NC Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a NC Licensed Professional Counselor. He has authored four books about the intersection of contemplative prayer with mind, marriage, counseling, and character. Gregg has his own regular practice of contemplative prayer.


To Learn More

Contact Gregg by email at greggblanton@gmail.com or phone at 828-712-9704.