May 2006 --- Garry Worth, a small group leader for Pemberton Methodist Church, recently apologized to his Contemplative Spirituality class for using a large-breed dog to help them learn about centering prayer. “My bad,“ explained a red-faced Worth. “When I was doing background research on Contemplative Spirituality, I misunderstood when Richard Foster suggested that Christians should study the meditation techniques of St. Bernard. I didn’t realize he was talking about the 12th century Catholic mystic from Clairvaux; I just assumed he meant the dog breed.”

For the last three group meetings, Worth had borrowed a Saint Bernard named Max from a local kennel and asked his class to emulate the dog’s relaxed, contemplative demeanor as a way to get closer to God. Among the disciplines the group learned were: fetch, roll over, and play dead.

Despite the confusion, most members of the study group felt it was the most satisfying spiritual teaching they had ever received. “Max’s droopy eyes and deep, rhythmic panting certainly centered my energy and took me to a higher spiritual plane,” acknowledged group member, Sue Sheraton. “Of course, his excessive drooling and inappropriate licking were another matter. That was just gross.”

Group leader Worth believes their short time with the lovable canine was misguided, but well-spent. “We gained some wisdom you can't get from human interaction.” he maintained. “After all, 'dog' spelled backwards is God. I don't think that's a coincidence.”