About Us
Volunteers
Meet the people who make our Outreach possible
Dennis Davis
Coordinator
“Be Still and Know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)
Welcome to the SDCO website. I am Denny Davis the coordinator of South Dakota Contemplative Outreach, and along with Sandi Ohlen, and Irene Chang, we welcome all to the ancient practice of contemplative prayer through the discipline of Centering Prayer.
“Contemplative Outreach is an international network of communities and individuals seeking the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit and the renewal of the Christian contemplative tradition through the practice of Centering Prayer. Its purpose is to provide programs and resources for on-going support, not only for Centering Prayer, but the structure of the organism, which holds the commitment to continue to share Centering Prayer.” (CO)
Contemplative Outreach was founded by Fr. Thomas Keating OCSO and is centered in scripture and his life long teachings.
So, what is Contemplative Prayer? “In the Christian tradition contemplative prayer is considered to be the pure gift of God. It is the opening of mind and heart; our whole being; to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words, and emotions. Through Grace we open our awareness to God whom we know by faith is within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing, closer than consciousness itself.” (TK)
“Centering Prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer by preparing our faculties to receive this gift. It presents ancient Christian wisdom teachings in an updated form. Centering Prayer is mot meant to replace other kinds of prayer; rather it casts a new light and depth of meaning on them. It is at the same time a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. This method of prayer is a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with him.” (TK)
“Centering Prayer is based on the wisdom saying of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: “When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.” (MT 6:6) It is also inspired by writings of major contributors to the Christian contemplative heritage including John Cassian, Francis de Sales, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, the anonymous author of ‘The Cloud of Unknowing,’ Therese of Lisieux, and Thomas Merton.” (TK)
The purpose of South Dakota Contemplative Outreach is threefold: 1) To offer Centering Prayer Introductory Programs; 2) To form Centering Prayer groups, and 3) To provide support to local Centering Prayer groups and facilitators.
I am here for any and all who are interested in beginning this prayer practice or any who have been doing Centering Prayer for some time and would like to form a CP group where you live.
We currently have groups in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Yankton and Vermillion.
Anyone interested can contact me at any time.
My email: dlynndad@hotmail.com.
My phone: 712-574-6201
If you would like to deepen your relationship with God and experience the healing presence of God in your life, just reach out in faith and begin to realize the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in your everyday life.
Blessings and Every Good
Denny
Irene Chang
Irene Chang is a facilitator for the Contemplative Prayer group at St Michael Parish and online Centering Prayer group on the Meditation Chapel. The more she experienced Centering Prayer and its healing through God’s grace, she wanted to share Centering Prayer with others and became a commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop in 2019 and a Lectio Divina Presenter in 2020 through Contemplative Outreach. Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Irene moved to Sioux Falls in 2001 and has been living there with her husband since then. Her daughter moved back to Sioux Falls after finishing her schooling. Her elder son works in St Louise and the younger son goes to school in California. Irene is also a spiritual director with a certification from the Peace Benedictine Center.
Contact: chang8356@gmail.com and 605-261-2025
Sandi Ohlen
On my lifelong quest to grow more deeply in prayer and relationship with our Lord, I was clearly led to St. Martin Monastery 21 years ago drawn specifically by Centering Prayer. When I learned of this contemplative prayer, I knew I found what I had been praying about for so long; contemplative prayer and spirituality were what I had been missing in my life. So, I voraciously read, attended many workshops and retreats as I came home to this spirituality of silence and solitude. It has been one of the great joys of my life thanks to all the Sisters at St. Martins. As my experience progressed and with such a deep desire to share contemplative prayer, I went on to meet the necessary training requirements to become a certified spiritual director and both a Centering Prayer and labyrinth workshop teacher/leader as well. I also facilitate Taize services regularly at Terra Sancta, a local retreat center. I feel this my mission is sharing contemplative spirituality with all Christians. I am a counselor by profession and do continue with a small counseling private practice along with spiritual direction and companioning. Music, photography, writing, and nature are my passions and especially important to me in expressing my spirituality.
Contact: sandikso13@gmail.com and 605-431-6956