Pray and Paddle: Mechthild of Magdeburg

Program Details

On Lake Cochichewick we share in Lectio Divina, an ancient practice of listening to a piece of sacred wisdom, three times. Each reading includes a
question to ponder followed by an extended time of paddling in silence. On this paddle we will be accompanied by the wisdom of Mechthild of
Magdeburg (1207 - 1282).

Mechthild was a Christian mystic who found community with Dominicans and Cistercians (Trappists). She wrote in ‘low German’ the language of every day people. As a mystic she sought union with God. She wrote: ‘The day of my spiritual awakening was the day I saw and knew I saw all thingsin God and God in all things.’

About the Leaders

Kent Harrop

Kent Harrop is an avid outdoorsman and ordained American Baptist minister. He was introduced to contemplative paddling on a Zen meditation kayak trip to the Tongass Wilderness in Alaska in 2002. Since that time, Kent has enjoyed introducing both novice and experienced kayakers and canoeists to the joy of 'listening on the water'. A favorite verse is "Listen, and your soul will live." ~ Isaiah 55:3 Kent is a graduate of Andover Newton Theological School, Shalem Institute for Contemplative Leadership, and the Franciscan Spiritual Direction Certification Program. For 40 years, he pastored congregations in Montana, California, Ohio, Oregon, and Massachusetts. He leads paddling retreats for a variety of groups: Recovery, environmental, congregations, interfaith. Kent currently serves as a Spiritual Director and leads Pray and Paddle events for Rolling Ridge. Kent can be reached at kentdharrop@gmail.com.