Articles on Prayer

  • What Does it Mean to Be Beloved of God?

    What Does it Mean to Be Beloved of God?

    It happened at the last day—the last hour really—of the 2013 Shalem YALLI kick-off retreat (Young Adult Life and Leadership Initiative). As our ragtag group of contemplatives wrote down on paper the blockages we sensed to living lives connected to the Spirit, we placed them in a bowl. We were then asked to come up,…

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  • Why Pilgrimage? Why This Pilgrimage?

    Why Pilgrimage? Why This Pilgrimage?

    Article by Carole Crumley (featured in September 2014 eNews) We live in what some have called “threshold times,” not just a time of change. We are in an era of profound re-ordering of the social, political, economic, religious and spiritual landscape. In this contemporary context, the ancient-yet-ever-new practice of pilgrimage is undergoing a remarkable resurgence.…

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  • Six Ways to Experience Contemplation Online

    How does one maintain and deepen a contemplative stance in such a frenzied, virtual world? One obvious solution is to unplug. Put the phone away. Turn the computer off. Go for a walk. Keep the radio off on the commute to work. Don’t leave a window open with Facebook always tempting you to glance at…

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  • Cultivating Discernment in Community: Another Chapter

    Today’s post is by Lois A. Lindbloom This is a season of grieving for me and throughout the college town in which I live. Jennifer, a beloved campus pastor, died at the age of 47. She was wife, mother of two young children, daughter, sister, friend to neighbors and colleagues, active supporter of children’s activities…

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  • Responsibility & Bliss

    Today’s post is by Savannah Kate Coffey. Winsome One, You, whose very desire is the crucible of creation, You, who speaks the invitation so alluring, Let there be- You, vulnerable and open, enticing yet restrained, awaiting a response. I can almost see the gleam in your eye. We all say, Yes. Trembling and ablaze, rising…

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  • Running Water Is a Holy Thing

    Today’s post is by Bryan Berghoef. As everyone knows, meditation and water are wedded forever. ~Herman Melville Drip, drip drip… Drip, drip, drip… Getting water is something many of us don’t normally think about. It’s something many of us take for granted. We turn on the tap, and there it is. For a lot of…

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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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