The live version of this retreat has finished, but the webinar sessions were all recorded in video and audio formats, and will stay available to you anytime you want to participate.
A Novena is an ancient mystical practice of setting aside daily time for prayer for a specific concern over nine days. We are in the midst of many global crises at the moment, with COVID-19 meaning we have large scale shut down of our cities and towns. We enter into this Novena in a spirit of coming together in during a time when we are strongly encouraged to self-isolate for the greater good.
From March 17-25, 2020 we hosted daily live webinar sessions for nine days (they were all recorded) in which Christine Valters Paintner led prayer and meditation. Sessions include time in silence together, reflection on a helpful spiritual practice, a short guided meditation, sharing, song, and poetry. John Valters Paintner offers a daily written scripture reflection which you can carry into your day through the practice of lectio divina or sacred reading.
This is a free offering to our Abbey of the Arts community but donations help to cover operational costs. New members are more than welcome to join us. Please feel free to invite others to join in this journey.
Once the Novena is complete the nine recordings stay available to anyone who wants to move through them for the first time or again. They are kairos time, or time outside of time, so not wedded to a particular timeframe.
Amidst the very real fear and anxiety, we have an opportunity to slow ourselves down, and connect deeply with the heart, to listen for new ways of doing and being.
Day 1
Encircling Prayer | Who can I call in for protection?
Day 2
Silence | How might I listen to a deeper voice?
Day 3
Peregrinatio | How do I stay present in the midst of unknowing and discomfort?
Day 4
Humility | How do I embrace vulnerability?
Day 5
Nature's Wisdom | What can wilderness teach me?
Day 6
Simplicity | What is most essential?
Day 7
Gratitude | What are the gifts right now?
Day 8
Compassion | Who can I reach out to?
Day 9
Wonder | Where can I find delight and awe?


