Participate in Ora House

  • At Ora House, we believe beauty matters and it is a natural outflow of the work of the Creator. J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis famously discussed the role of humanity as sub-creators with God. Through artistry, people beautify our world as part of their image-bearing and can help us participate in God through it.

    We are thankful for the opportunity to profile artsts doing exactly that sort of work. Below are those who work alongside of Ora House to help us contemplate God, through their artistic work.

    Light from Light by Adam Thom

  • Formed by Beauty is a series of evening retreats focused on formation in God by exploring what it means to contemplate God through beauty. That beauty exists in many forms, including creation itself—those who spend time praying in the mountains understand—but the Church has also recognized the creative works of artists as a unique opportunity to engage with God. J.R.R Tolkein and C.S. Lewis wrote about the creative activity of humankind as "sub-creation."  They believed the artists and creators of our world participated in God's creative nature, which is why we can behold the beauty of God through the work of artists, whether they be painters, writers, musicians, architects, or photographers. Formed by Beauty invites you to step into that encounter with God. 

    Our series begins on November 27th, at 7 PM at Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church. Our evening will be hosted by Father Robert Steele, with reflections and teaching by Adam Thom, a photographer, writer, and filmmaker. Adam's work explores the intersection of beauty, faith, and the contemplative life. Through his ongoing project Light from Light, he reflects on the ways seeing can become a form of prayer—where images, both still and moving, open onto the mystery of the everyday. Rooted in a sacramental imagination, Adam’s work seeks to reveal the quiet grace hidden within ordinary things, and to invite others into a slower, more attentive way of being in the world.

  • Spiritual Direction is the practice of prayer, in community, where we mature into the image of God, Jesus Christ, through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

    The purpose of Direction at Ora House is to help the seeker pay attention to the presence and leading of the Holy Spirit. We trust God’s love for you and know He is communicating with you, which is why we make ourselves present to help you see Him in all the ways He is reaching out to you.

    Ora House has directors available to walk with you as you seek the Lord. Learn more about our directors and book an appointment here.

  • A weekend retreat for artists with teachings, contemplation, and space for creation of artistic works based on the Psalms.

    More information coming soon.

  • Part of the inspiration for Ora House is a desire to see a School of Spiritual Formation that is steeped in the Great Tradition. Our goal is to begin in 2026, with two-year cohorts living a Rule of Life together, focused on leaning into the Divine Life of God.

    Watch here for more information soon.

  • Beginning in Lent 2026, we will be providing Prayer Guides that help each user pray with the Tradition.

    These Prayer Guides will incorporate the Daily Office of the Book of Common Prayer 2019, Scripture Readings, Daily Examen, and journalling pages.

  • St Paul says, “Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” (Rom 12:2)

    As part of our desire to help each person mature and grow into who they were created to be, the image and likeness of God, our contributors will seek to write and teach on topics aimed to help you grow in Christ.

    Our resource page is coming soon.

  • A Slow Embrace is our way of helping you establish a Rule of Life to intentionally seek God in all you do. Whether you want more information to help you build a Rule yourself, or you want help in growing and keeping that Rule, we are here to help.

    Read more about a Rule of Life, or contact us to set up a meeting for help establishing a Rule of Life here.

  • Throughout the pages of Scripture, we are encouraged to meditate on God’s written word. Psalm 1 tells us that the person who meditates on it day and night is defined as “a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.”

    Lectio Divina is an ancient practice, formalized by St Benedict of Nursia. Its purpose is to do as Scripture calls us to, meditate on God’s written word.

    Once a month, Fr. Robert Steele will host an evening Lectio Divina Group, where we gather to read, meditate on, and discuss Holy Scripture.

    Sign up through our contact form here.

  • In partnership with Island Lake Retreat Centre, Ora House is offering a yearly Silent Retreat during the liturgical season of Lent.

    Our next Retreat is coming in 2026. More information coming soon.