Embodied Prayer - Online Taster Session

THURSDAY 23RD OCTOBER, 9:30-10:45AM / 7:15-8:30PM

An invitation to clergy, lay leaders, and church members across London Diocese to explore prayer through the body as part of our shared Way of Life.

“The glory of God is a living human being…” St Irenaeus

What if our bodies weren’t distractions in prayer, but doorways into God’s presence?
Jesus prayed with his whole being, and Scripture gives us a vision of personhood where body, mind and heart belong together. Yet in much of our discipleship, the body is overlooked. Many of us are left unsure how to pray with and through the bodies God has given us.

This taster session offers a gentle introduction to embodied prayer – a way of praying that helps us listen to God by becoming present to our own breath, movement and physical being. It is an approach that nurtures compassion for ourselves as beloved creatures in whom God delights, and invites us to delight in the sheer gift of being alive.

In this session we will:

• Explore the place of the body in God’s story of creation and salvation
• Reflect on how our bodies shape prayer, discipleship and well-being
• Practise a simple form of embodied prayer (accessible and adaptable for all)
• Share reflections on the experience together

About the facilitator
The session will be led by Rachel Michael, a dance movement psychotherapist and theologian. She runs Embodied Perspective, helping people discover the benefits of reconnecting with their bodies in prayer, reflection, and practices that nurture well-being and healing in the widest sense (www.embodiedperspective.org). Her first book, Embodied Prayer as Mission: A Response to Cultural Change, was recently published by Grove Books.

Practical details

• Open to adults of all ages and abilities – no prior experience required, just bring curiosity and openness
• The practice begins seated, with the option to stand and move gently if you wish; adaptations will be offered so everyone can participate comfortably
• Two identical sessions will run on Thursday 23 October, please select the session you would like to attend when registering: Morning: 9:30–10:45am / Evening: 7:15–8:30pm
• Participation is free of charge, but we do ask all participants to complete a short feedback form afterwards to help us plan for the future
• Providing this training involves a real investment of diocesan time and resources, so if you can no longer attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reallocate your place

This event is hosted by the Confident Disciples team as part of our Way of Life journey (www.wayoflife.london) and the Ministry Team’s wider offerings in Continued Ministerial Development and wellbeing. It is a taster session designed to strengthen our shared discipleship and explore whether embodied prayer might be a valuable offering for churches going forward.

Come and discover how prayer through the body can open us more fully to the presence of God.

Contact: Please contact our Discipleship Enabler, Mirjam Ngoy-Verhage (mirjam.ngoy@london.anglican.org), if you have any questions or would like to attend but are unable to make these dates.