The Cloud of Unknowing is an anonymous work of Christian Mysticism written in Middle English. Authored in the 14th century, this book offers unique guidance for anyone who desires a more intimate relationship with God. The text is a spiritual guide to contemplative prayer. The author suggests that the way to know God is to abandon consideration of God's particular activities and attributes, and to be courageous enough to surrender one's mind and ego to the realm of "unknowing", at which point one may begin to glimpse the true nature of God.

In this class, participants will discover the roots of Centering Prayer in the Desert Fathers and Mothers: emergent contemplatives who labored to “put on the mind and heart of Christ.” They will trace the unfolding of the sacred science of spiritual transformation through its earliest pioneers to its ongoing relevance today.  In learning about the practice of “dark” (obscure) contemplation, participants will come to appreciate the ineffable mystery of God.
 
This class will explore the teachings of one of the classics of the Christian Mystical tradition – a book which has profoundly influenced classical and contemporary spirituality.
 
Joanne Warner will facilitate the class using materials developed by the gifted professor, author, and psalmist, Sr. Kathleen Deignan, C.N.D.