Background Story and Inspiration

Introduction

During recent years various people in different contexts sense and experience the need or the preference, towards meeting in smaller and simpler groups, to talk, think, share and pray.

Adults in all walks of life as well as young people are being drawn more and more into discovering how well being and inspiration can be theirs as they practice more of a spirituality as well as in church life; not only or necessarily in silence or alone either, but with others, with music and art, readings and film, and in prayer for peace and healing.

Further, the concept of life being a journey is ancient in all faiths and none, with pilgrimage, wayside shrines and sacred places being well known and being made popular as a way to connect with the world and each other. These practices and ideas also being the means to be able to contribute or share, as well as to ‘take something away’ back to their everyday lives.

The Christian tradition and theology are rich in all these practices and the longing remains to find a way to include them in many parts of the neighbourhood.

A place to go

Time spent with people at work, home, business, including young people and school staff has revealed that while wellbeing and practices to aid this are known about and longed for, and that there are various Apps and Websites available, there are no places to go to ‘do it’ . School premises are needed for lessons and meetings, homes can’t provide a set aside space, and the idea of going into a church building is not necessarily considered. Church buildings if open can be too cavernous with no intimate space, or they are too busy to create the necessary atmosphere to settle. Further, Religious Houses can seem step too far as they are big, and out of the way, and seem to demand too much of the ordinary person.

In response to this there is a vision for a Little House of Prayer which contains two parts: the Wayside and the House – they could be a blend of both in one place – or in separate places.

Inspiration

The shed on the church green at St Barnabas’ Church, Worcester during Lockdown ( The Little House of Prayer) – as a place of destination and to pass by. To turn aside, stay for awhile, pick up and take away. It was well visited and used.

The Well Centre for Spirituality, Elsie Briggs House, Westbury on Trym, Bristol - quite a big concern now but I knew it in the early days when it was just a simple home. https://thewellcentreforspirituality.org.uk/

The Margaret’s Chapel in Glastonbury : A tiny quiet chapel off the main road through Glastonbury, sets up an icon and a simple circle of chairs for passers by to be able to turn aside for awhile, to offer prayers and take away a prayer card. https://www.stmargaretschapel.org.uk/

Hennor House is listed in the Quiet Places of Hereford Diocese. It is a private home which contains a chapel and is used regularly for local prayer meetings and groups.

Christian Tradition and Theology

The People of the Way – known as such before they were called Christians. Jesus as The Way, the Truth and the Life. Celtic traditions of life being a journey and the Way of the Pilgrim. A Way of Life and travelling along the Way. Place being important - it’s history and traditions and connections. – and the construction of ‘wayside shrines’

John the Baptist and desert / wilderness: Eg: Catherine de Hueck Doherty and article on her book Poustinia by Jeremiah Barker. The poustinia (desert) and poustinik ( someone who dwells there) – could be literally or metaphorically and spiritually – that desert is a spiritual reality . The Desert Fathers and yet more than that – this is the voice crying out in the wilderness calling for peace. It’s the understanding that the Lord travels with his people in the desert and that Jesus was sent into the wilderness before he began his new and public ministry.

It’s also an ethos to which anyone can be called – not necessarily in solitude. The call is to pray for peace, guidance in hard times, fulfilment and purpose. To address the human desire to escape from reality, responsibility and decision making. It is born of love for the world, not escape from the world – to carry both the beauty (for which there is thanksgiving) and the pain (for which there is lament and seeking an answer to all the darknesses which press so heavily). Celebration and yet reality of ‘where we are at’. Includes walking down a city street, living the chaos of a day at work. Seeking and finding courage to face and speak the truth.

Julian of Norwich and the Beguine Movement: Re: Elizabeth Ruth Obbard

Julian began in the ordinary house where she lived with her parents – she designed her own routines of life, work and prayer and in time others joined her. They would be in the town. The Beguine Movement found itself in the Low Countries of Belgium, Luxembourg and Netherlands – but anywhere which is at or below sea level and beside rivers

Lay women in medieval western Europe – Low countries who formed semi-religious communities without formal vows. They could work, own property and be independent and dedicate their lives to God without the restrictions of traditional monastic life. Various social classes were a part of these communities – widows, the never married, those with their own wealth, those with wealthy patrons. The women were involved in mainly the textile trades, nursing, sick and poor care and education. They were close to houses, churches, green spaces – in or near towns – not in the middle of nowhere

These communities devoted their time to intercessory prayer, contemplation, charitable works and their focus was on the Eucharist and the humanity of Jesus. They are also known to have had influence on urban development.

And so…the journey continues.

Lantern House officially opened (quietly!) with a blessing on 12th February 2026

The House became OPEN as Revd Lindsey Coulthard of St Stephen’s Church, Barbourne gathered a group of us to go around the House to offer prayers of blessing in each space and room including the entrance. There was a sense of celebration and excitement with the sharing of refreshments around the table.

The Little House of Prayer at St Barnabas’ Church

( Christmas 2020 - Trinity 2021)

The Little House of Prayer