Articles on Prayer

  • Surprised by Joy

    Recently a fellow spiritual guide described her surprise and delight at the joy she experiences meeting with directees. I’m not sure why, but I was taken aback. Because I experience it too- I just hadn’t expected it. When I thought about it, remembering the pursed lip smile of my spiritual director as he slightly nodded…

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  • How Can I Keep from Singing?

    As faculty and associates of Shalem’s Spiritual Guidance Program share our experiences of sitting with directees during our current political and socio-economic season, a line from Psalm 139 nudges its way into consciousness, “How shall we sing the Lord’s song / Upon an alien soil?” (Book of Common Prayer, Psalm 139:4) During this current season,…

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  • I Carry You with Me

    Raymond said it looked like he was waiting for the aliens to come take him. This made me laugh with him at the time, and at the very least, smile now. We were in the midst of leading a group of retreatants on a meditative hike after an atypically confusing and somewhat disorganized several minutes.…

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  • Stretch & Savor a Shalem Pilgrimage To Assisi

    Once upon a time, Christine and Frank were widowers, after both being long time caregivers to their beloved spouses, Ron and Alice. Previously, Christine had also been friends of Alice and Frank for several years. Then Christine decided to move into a senior living condo, and unbeknownst to them all, it turned out to be…

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  • Earth and Soul

    In reading Earth & Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Change, some of the information about nature’s interconnectedness was new to me and some brought back many happy childhood memories of walking around the small farm I grew up on with a beloved uncle who loved to teach me about the natural world around me, about how…

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  • Being My Authentic Self

    When I am asked how I’ve grown from my first steps with Shalem’s Heart Longings program to where I am today, the short answer is, I have grown tremendously. When I decided to apply to the Heart Longings program, I was seeking a closer relationship with God. I wanted to feel God’s presence more in…

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Mission

Our mission is to nurture contemplative living and leadership.

Vision

In 2025, Shalem will be a dynamic and inclusive community, empowered by the Spirit, where seekers engage in transformation of themselves, their communities, and the world through spiritual growth, deep connection, and courageous action.

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