Where to Get Started
Many of us yearn for dynamic, transformational prayer lives, but feel at a loss for how to sustain our prayer life. In fact, many spiritual seekers have had very little training or formation in what it means to pray or how to do it. Episcopal House of Prayer (EHoP) offers a variety of experiences to educate, nurture, and grow your contemplative prayer practices. Introductory, intermediate, and intensive offerings are open to all.
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Gatherings [Virtual or In-Person]: Â This is a great place to start if you’re just beginning your contemplative prayer journey or new to this community. All are welcome to drop in or sign up for these weekly contemplative prayer sits. For in-person prayer sits, we observe two 20-minute periods of silent prayer with a contemplative walk in between. Online prayer sits consist of one 20-minute period of silent prayer. If you are coming for the first time, we recommend that you come early so we can welcome you and introduce you to the practice and space.
Workshops: Workshops hosted by EHoP consist of short-sessions on particular Christian prayer forms and intend to offer practical support to people who yearn to pray. These online sessions offer a wide introduction to classic contemplative prayer forms in the Christian tradition. Each short session will include an overview of the prayer form, specific instructions, an experience of the prayer form, an opportunity to reflect with others, and Q&A with the presenter. Sessions are stand-alone, meaning you can attend one or all.
Retreats: EHoP retreats engage with seekers along all points of their journey, from beginners who have recently experienced an awakening, to seasoned practitioners who may have witnessed many reawakenings over the years. With this continuum in mind and heart, we seek to offer programs that will meet every person where they actually are on their journey.
The retreat center in Collegeville, MN has 12 retreat rooms (8 singles, 4 doubles) on five acres of grounds of Saint John’s Abbey and University. In addition to our retreat rooms, the Oratory (small chapel) is particularly suited for contemplative prayer. We host our own retreats and rent out the retreat space to groups.
