Prayer, Meditation, and Worship

Students singing during a HUUMS service: Steve Gilbert

 

Throughout the academic year, there are numerous opportunities for prayer, meditation, and worship at HDS—often several opportunities in a day.

Weekly Gatherings Organized by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life

Sitting Meditation

Sitting Meditation is convened each Tuesday and thursday from noon to 12:30 pm at the front of Andover Chapel and the CSWR Meditation Room. Zafus and zabutons are provided. No experience is required.

Wednesday Noon Service

Wednesday Noon Service at HDS is held Wednesdays, 12:10-12:45 pm, in Andover Chapel. Hosted each week by a different religious community of the HDS campus, and overseen by a steering committee of students and the director of religious and spiritual life, this service allows all in the HDS community to pray with our companions across the boundaries of our many respective traditions. Each service begins and ends with ritual elements led by the Noon Service Steering Committee to gather and send us out with words and movements that can be shared by all. The host community of the week designs and leads the center of the service in order to share the unique particularities of its tradition as much as possible with those inside and outside their community. Harry Huff, the director of music at HDS, oversees a weekly pick-up choir for the Wednesday Noon Service. Vocalists and instrumentalists of all ability are encouraged to participate in the lively music program of the School.

Thursday Eucharist

An Ecumenical Eucharist is celebrated on Thursdays at 8:30 am, preceded by silent prayer at 8:15 am in Andover Chapel. A rotation of staff and faculty preside and preach.

Regular Gatherings Organized by Student Groups

HDS’s student religious and spiritual organizations sponsor regular gatherings on campus for prayer, meditation, and study.

Special Annual Multireligious Services

The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life also arranges special annual multireligious services, such as the Seasons of Light celebration in December and the annual Commencement Service in May, and supports student groups as they plan special services for holy days.

Opportunities at Harvard and Nearby

HDS students, staff, and faculty are also encouraged to worship with the many faith communities that meet on the wider Harvard University campus and throughout the cities nearby. A partial list follows: