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 an 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 then, Kent has enjoyed guiding both novice and experienced kayakers and canoeists in the practice of "listening on the water."

A favorite verse of his is:

"Listen, and your soul will live." — Isaiah 55:3

Kent is a graduate of Andover Newton Theological School, the Shalem Institute for Contemplative Leadership, and the Franciscan Spiritual Direction Program. For 40 years, he pastored congregations. Currently, he leads Pray and Paddle events for Rolling Ridge, coordinates North Shore: SING (Spirituality in Nature Group), and serves as a Spiritual Director.

Kent can be reached at kentdharrop@gmail.com