Welcome to the Peace Prayer Path! The 12 Stations or Sacred Spaces are here for you – for Peace Church members and attenders AND for the Eau Claire community AND for anyone who would like to spend time enjoying the beauty of the spaces, being quiet in God’s creation, or spend time in prayer – talking and listening for God.

Welcome to the Peace Prayer Path at Peace Church. This is a 12-Station Prayer Experience. This is an invitation to meet with God in His Sanctuary, His Creation – to speak, to listen, to be with Him, and to receive all that He has for us. This invitation is for the Peace Community, the Eau Claire community, and all who choose to come.

What is the Peace Prayer Path?

It is a 12-station (sacred space) prayer experience. It’s an invitation to meet with God in His Sanctuary – His Creation – to speak, to listen, to be with Him, and receive all that He has for you. These stations are placed around the perimeter of the Peace Church property. The word “Path” is a word from Scripture that speaks of a journey or a way. This path provides a “way” for you to spend time with God. Each station or sacred space has a bench provided for you to sit for a while, and a stone with a Word for your prayer focus.

For your comfort, a brush is provided to clear any beauty left by nature on the bench.

There are 12 prayer stations – each with a one-word focus provided for an encounter with the Living God. There is no right or wrong way for this prayer journey. You may wish to spend time at one station that speaks to you or stop at each station in order. Spend as much or as little time as you need. If you spend five minutes or 2 hours at one station, it matters only that you stay as long as you are called.

For your comfort, a brush is provided to clear any beauty left by nature on the bench.

What is the Inspiration behind the Path?

The inspiration for the Peace Prayer Path has been Kathy Sahlhoff’s spiritual practice of meeting with God as she tended and nurtured her gardens around her home. It was there that she spoke to God, poured out her heart, listened for His voice, and found strength, hope, and peace. We remember her sacrifice and service to our Peace community and give thanks to God for the precious time we had with her (although it was far too short).

This project has provided an opportunity for others to remember their loved ones through their gifts given as memorials or in honor of someone, or as a response to God’s goodness in their lives. You will find a list of the gifts given in memory of someone or honor of someone at the back of the meditation booklet (link at the bottom of the page).

What are theJourney Words for the 12 Stations (Sacred Spaces)?

1 TRUST 5 LISTEN 9 COMFORT

2 COURAGE 6 HUMILITY 10 CLARITY

3 GRATITUDE 7 HEALING 11WISDOM

4 HOPE 8 FORGIVENESS 12 PEACE

What are some good practices in utilizing the Prayer Path?

1) You can start at any station you desire. Sit with God – talk to Him – Listen to Him – Pray using the Journey Word as a focus. Stay as long as you like – then move on to another station or move on with your day.

2) Prayer Path Meditation Booklets have been created for you to use. This booklet will provide Scriptures/Quotes/Journal Prompts for each journey word. You can find the booklets at the Word Station (in Gathering Place at Peace Church) or in the church office.

3) We will be offering classes (on a regular basis) that will give you insight about various spiritual practices you could try as you spend time at the Peace Prayer Path. 3 Week Class Sessions – Wednesdays, August 13/20/27 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

1 Class Session – Wednesday, August 13 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

(Sign up in the Church office)

4) Small Groups – if you would like to have assistance in developing a series utilizing these spaces, please contact either Pastor David or Lynette Schulz.

Meet the Prayer Path Team and workers:

Carolyn Hackman Artwork/Designs/mural – Sherry Luhman

Deb Maki Landscaping – Curtis Ray

Sherry Luhman Stones (Journey Words) – Tim Schulz

Lynette Schulz Arbor/Fence Ernie Vogler

Finances – Tonya Ida

Work Team: Ernie Vogler, Steve Loehnis, Greg Dawald, Ed Klebig, Wade Lambrigtson, Paul Weinke, David Forke

How Can I Help?

1) We are forming a Garden Team to help care for and tend to the upkeep and beauty of these spaces. If you would like to help, please contact Sue Gumz in the church office for details. 715-834-2486

2) Memorial gifts can be given towards flowers and bushes, other improvements and upkeep of these space for the future

3) We will post other needs as they arise.