Mini-Retreat: Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer

Register in advance: https://onrealm.org/TrinityEpiscopalpdx/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=ZTAwYmUwNTMtYWJjNy00ZjZjLWJlYWMtYjE0NzAxMTIzMjAx

(In person only. Led by Michael Ellick.) Join us for an exploration of the Jesus Prayer, a powerful practice of opening the mind and heart. Rooted in the Eastern Orthodox contemplative tradition of hesychasm (“to keep silence”), the practice goes all the way back to the desert fathers and mothers. On the surface, it involves the simple repetition of Jesus’ name and/or a short prayer, similar to the rosary. But the meditation grows into a powerful devotional practice where we discover the deeper life of Jesus as the Divine Word “through whom all things are made” (John 1:3) in our direct experience of everyday life. 

The Jesus Prayer can be done with or without prayer beads, so feel free to bring these if you have them.

About the presenter: Since earning his M.Div at Union Theological Seminary, the Rev'd Michael Ellick has served as a faith-based movement builder and community organizer, worked as a Public Finance Analyst, apprenticed under various Centering Prayer Teachers, and studied and practiced for seven years with a Tibetan Buddhist Lama. He also serves as a UCC minister, currently at University Congregational UCC in Seattle. What ties these pursuits together is Michael’s ongoing passion for bridging the “inner world” of contemplative practice with the “outer world” of engaged public ministry. His new podcast, "The Gospel of Direct Experience," is expected to launch later this Spring.  

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Contemplative Mini-Retreats take place every 3rd Saturday, 9:00 am-noon. Join us for meditation, contemplative prayer as we sit together in community, with time for reflection, learning, and support, with guest teachers to help us explore the contemplative path. Mini-Retreats are free, but donations are gratefully accepted.