Luminaries and practitioners of contemplative traditions are circling the world in prayer for 40 hours, inspired by an invitation from the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in honor of its 40th anniversary.
“The power of people joining hands virtually to circle the world in contemplative prayer shows the prominence of this ancient practice and its ability to nourish people of widely diverse backgrounds and faiths in modern times,” said Leah Rampy, executive director of Shalem.
The vigil unites for the first time many of the leading luminaries of the Christian Contemplative movement and their followers along with leaders of contemplative practices from other wisdom traditions, including Thomas Keating, Richard Rohr, Tilden Edwards, Parker Palmer, Laurence Freeman, Cynthia Bourgeault, Tara Brach, Joanna Macy, Mark Nepo and others, many of whom are hosting companion vigils.
Opening the vigil on Sunday at a retreat center in Marriottsville, Md., and streamed live over the internet to thousands of vigil participants across 26 countries, Rampy sounded a Tibetan singing bowl 40 times to signify each of the 40 years that Shalem has offered contemplative programs to open the mind and awaken the heart to the living Spirit.
The ripple effects of the sounding bell reached participants praying together across faiths, national boundaries and time zones. From South Korea to Cuba, Australia to Nigeria, Nepal to Brazil, and across Europe and North America, a virtual spiritual community is gathered in response to Shalem’s global call to contemplative prayer.
Offering guidance to individual vigil participants, Rampy advises, “You might find that a walking meditation is what seems invited, or perhaps softly chanting, a centering prayer, or simple stillness. Listen to what calls to your spirit and know that someone somewhere will be in silent prayer on behalf of all of us during the 40 hours.”
Shalem offers prayer resources for vigil participants on its website including a prayer for the earth, a movement prayer and a litany.
The 40-Hour Contemplative Prayer Vigil closes on Tuesday, October 15th at 11:00 mm EDT.
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Information on the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation: Shalem is one of the most respected centers for spiritual deepening in the US and globally. The Shalem community continues the lineage of the Christian contemplative tradition. Its programs center on contemplative teaching and practices that open the mind and awaken the heart to the living Spirit. Many of the world’s foremost spiritual speakers and writers have been featured in Shalem programs including Cynthia Bourgeault, Thich Nhat Hanh, Richard Rohr, and Eckhart Tolle. Its new, Online School of Contemplative Prayer Series brings Christian Contemplative living to the digital age.
Sign up for the vigil: http://www.shalem.org/index.php/shalem-programs/vigil
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