Spiritual Practices

We believe that cultivating spiritual practices is a valuable and life-giving part of anyone’s faith life. Below is a sampling of spiritual practices we offer on an ongoing and seasonal basis, as well as some we have enjoyed in the recent past.

Morning Meditation

[This program is on hiatus.] Join us most Wednesday mornings at 8am for 30 minutes on Zoom for a calming, caring congregational connection in the middle of your chaotic week. We hold space for some simple prayer sharing and offer a relaxing and centering guided meditation that will leave you relaxed and renewed, ready to move into the rest of your week. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join us; no prior meditation experience necessary.

Spiritual Practices Workshops

These occasional workshops facilitate an intimate gathering, aimed at helping you carve out some healing space for grace throughout the holy seasons of Lent or Advent and beyond. “Come as you are” to explore together the joys, brokenness, gifts, and doubts we bring to church. Workshops are designed to equip us with some creative approaches to contemplation and exploration of religion. Connect in community with United Parish friends, old and new, to explore together the power and purpose of spiritually-meaningful rituals and practices you can use to deepen your experience during holy seasons like Lent or Advent. Join us to share your own and maybe experience one or two new practices that can help you shift gears from the hectic to the holy.

Prayer Partners

Prayer Partners take place during Lent and Advent, as an opportunity to connect with one other person during the holy season. We encourage ALL of us to try or recommit to having a prayer buddy — someone you can check in with during the week, go over your concerns and joys and offer them in prayer. We offer you guidelines to make this fun and helpful. If this is something that sounds welcome and soothing or sounds like a challenge, or anything in between, then we encourage you to try it out! Prayer partnering helps us strengthen as a spiritual community.

Prayer Retreats

Prayer Retreats often happen on-site, and invite you to share in some group and individual prayer and silence with others. We try some ancient and refreshed spiritual practices, and share a mindful meal of soup and bread. It’s a lovely opportunity to explore how to use prayer to shift from the hectic to the holy.

Sacred Strolls

At the height of the pandemic, we held Sacred Strolls, as easy, leisurely walks accessible for all ages and abilities, including wheelchair users. These included a time of contemplative worship and discussion or checking out outdoor art installations, or visiting a historical site. It’s an opportunity to gather together and experience God’s creation. Sacred Strolls included local sites such as the Arnold Arboretum, Halls Pond, Mount Auburn Cemetery, Olmsted Park, Chestnut Hill Reservoir, and the Riverway.

Prayer Hikes

We also held Prayer Hikes as moderate hikes for all ages. On these, we sing, pray, and experience nature together, visiting such local sites such as Prospect Hill Park in Waltham, Hemlock Gorge Reservation in Newton, Hammond Pond/Webster Woods, and the Blue Hills.

Get Involved

Interested in leading a Sacred Stroll or Prayer Hike? Have an idea for a workshop or retreat? Let us know! Contact the Adult Deepening Ministry Team at adultdeepening@upbrookline.org.