The Episcopal House of Prayer is more than just an event center – it is a living, vibrant community.
The Episcopal House of Prayer is more than the retreats and workshops – it is a place with community at its core. If you are interested in becoming part of a larger community that has made a commitment to the contemplative way, becoming a member of the Contemplative Body may be right for you.
Membership of the Contemplative Body of the Episcopal House of Prayer is a community of deep practice where we focus on listening with our hearts to the voice of God, both within others and ourselves, where deep truth resides. Membership is open to all. Members are at the heart of our ministry, called to an ongoing relationship with other seekers who have participated in House of Prayer retreats or silent sittings and who have an established personal practice of silent waiting.
The basic tenets of the Rule of the Membership of the Contemplative Body of the Episcopal House of Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Practice – a regular practice of kenotic self-emptying
- Pursuit of Wisdom – a continual seeking to know the mind of Christ
- Transformation Through Awakening – a growth in honesty of life to discover the True Self
- Healthy Living – take the responsibility to live a conscious balanced life recognizing that all are created in God’s image
- Annual Commitment – review and reaffirm a commitment to support the Vision of the House of Prayer and to participate in at least one retreat
- Prayer for the Life and Ministry of the Episcopal House of Prayer – daily commend the work of the Episcopal House of Prayer and all people to the love of God
- Giving – express the generosity of God through magnanimity of living
- Relationship to the Membership – devote time and energy to nurture the “body of Christ” in our spiritual communities
- Mission and Service – be of service for the maintenance of the life and ministry of the Episcopal House of Prayer and be a minister by teaching and supporting others in their journeys
What to Expect
This group is a powerful resource of wisdom and committed elders. Meetings always start in a shared, extended silent sitting. We then adhere to a meeting format of circles of trust, where we can speak from our deepest yearnings. We support each other by continuing to “show up” in our practice, in our studies, and in our attentive presence to each other. Through mindful living and proclamation in our daily lives, we intend to assist all creation to awaken to the reality of God’s presence.
At our annual retreat we renew our intentions to follow our Rule and we recommit ourselves to the pursuit of wisdom and transformation through awakening.
There are 2 chapters of the Contemplative Body, one in the Twin Cities and one in Collegeville. If you are interested in learning more about the Contemplative Body, contact co-chairs of the chapter you are interested in:
- Twin Cities: Nelson Coffey and Mary Lilja
- Collegeville: Sherie Bosak and Bill Brand
