Date: September 10, 2025
Silent Prayer in the Oratory will be hosted this term by the Rev. Professor Sarah Coakley every Wednesday evening at 5.15pm, beginning September 10 and continuing through December 17. This offering, supported by Associate Dean the Rev. Dr. Shawn Strout and encouraged by growing interest from students, parishioners of Immanuel, and members of several local parishes, provides space for quiet reflection and contemplative prayer within the Seminary community. Our time together will last until 6pm each week.
In the opening weeks of the semester, Professor Coakley will provide brief introductory guidance on the practice of silent prayer. This will help participants—whether new to contemplative forms of prayer or already familiar with them—enter into stillness with confidence and depth. We invite everyone to find in these moments a place of rest, presence, and openness before God.
This term, our prayers will hold a particular focus on peace in our troubled world, both close to home and across nations. The Oratory thus becomes not only a place of personal quiet but also a community witness to the hope and necessity of peace. All are warmly welcome to join for this simple but profound weekly practice.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary