Learn With Us
When you rent the House of Prayer or host a community retreat, you also have the option to schedule teaching or facilitation by EHoP Director Christine Luna Munger.
Christine has taught at University of St. Thomas and College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University; has published articles, videos, and other spiritual direction resources for Spiritual Directors International; and she regularly writes, teaches, and leads group prayer sits at EHoP.
She teaches on a wide variety of topics related to contemplation and Benedictine and Ignatian spirituality, and she’s particularly interested in offering groups practical tools and frameworks for incorporating contemplative spirituality into their regular prayer practices and daily lives.
Possible topics for teaching and facilitation include:
Prayer Forms
As important as prayer is, most of us are never really taught how to do it! And when we are, we’re often not taught about the rich and diverse range of ways to pray—from silent centering prayer, to imaginative Ignatian Contemplation, to the embodied prayer of walking the labyrinth, and beyond.
Teaching can focus on just one prayer form or several, and typically include background information and history, practical tips, and an opportunity to experience the prayer form together.
- Centering prayer
- Lectio divina
- Ignatian Contemplation
- The Examen
- The Jesus Prayer
- The Rosary/prayer beads
- Intercessory/healing prayer
- Liturgy of the hours
- The Labyrinth
- Chant
Mystics and Saints
The mystics are foundational teachers in the contemplative tradition—yet they were often controversial or not recognized in their own times. Even now, many conventional settings do not make room for the wisdom teachings of the mystics.
Learning about one (or more) of the mystics can be a deeply meaningful experience, and a powerful anchor for your group’s time at the House.
Figures Christine has taught on in the past include:
- Julian of Norwich
- Teresa of Avila
- St. Bernard of Clairvaux
- Thomas Merton
- Evelyn Underhill
- Terese of Lisieux
Contemplative Dialogue
Christine’s work with contemplative dialogue draws upon a Trinitarian model of the human person, which assumes that human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, and therefore, are also composed of three persons—Self, Others, and God. Consequently, the spiritual work of contemplative dialogue becomes: Grounding in the Self, Opening to Others, and Seeking God. Christine has designed a variety of teachings, exercises, and practices to support the work of contemplative dialogue.
This list is not exhaustive, but a starting place for conversation. We’re happy to tailor teaching and facilitation to your specific group, and invite you to be in conversation about your needs and desires. If you’re interested in adding teaching to your group’s time at the house, make a note when you request a reservation.
Or, if you’re interested in inviting Christine to teach in your community, you can reach out to her directly.
