Prayer Resident Program

The Prayer Resident leads morning and evening prayers, along with times of silent meditation, five days a week in The Chapel of St. George at The Bishop’s Ranch. Daily prayer is an integral part of the life of worship in the Chapel, under the leadership of the Ranch Chaplain. The Prayer Resident assists the Chaplain in maintaining the Chapel as a warm, welcoming, sacred space for all guests and community members, leads the
weekday Liturgies in an hospitable manner, and assists the Chaplain in tending the Chapel space, preparing for Sunday worship, and other small duties as discerned with the Chaplain. The Prayer Resident also works collegially with all Ranch staff, occasionally helps in accommodating the needs of various groups using the Chapel as part of their program at the Ranch, and assists with other tasks pertaining to the daily
operations of the Ranch.

Often the weekday Liturgies in the Chapel are sparsely attended. It is important to note that we offer these services in order to participate in the worldwide circle of prayer and to offer daily prayers for the Ranch, its staff, and for those for whom our prayers have been requested. As would also be the case in a monastery, it is an important value for us here at the Ranch that prayer for the Church and the world is happening here every day, in an unbroken way. The size of the worshiping congregation is less important than the fact that the flame of prayer is kept burning.

Daily prayers at the Ranch follow the general form of the Episcopal tradition, but contain considerable silence and fewer words than the Book of Common Prayer Morning or Evening Prayer services. These are contemplative Liturgies. They have set forms, but are also spacious and offer some flexibility. The Chaplain will let you know the parameters, and will make sure you have the resources you need.

Morning Prayer (‘Matins’) is offered at 7:30 AM, and Evening Prayer (‘Vespers’) at 6:00 PM. Both services are preceded by a half hour of silent prayer time in the Chapel. The half hour of silence is led by the Prayer Resident as well, and is requisite. This means that the Prayer Resident must arrive with sufficient time ahead of the start of each meditation session to set up in the Chapel and prepare (setting out bulletins, lighting candles, etc.). Leading the Liturgies and meditation sessions takes up more than two hours a day, including set-up and clean-up time.

This is a short-term volunteer position offered in exchange for room and board. (Accommodations include a comfortable studio below the Chapel, with private bath and kitchenette, and most meals served in the refectory). The position is open to lay as well as ordained persons. Familiarity with Episcopal worship, commitment to daily prayer and silence are important qualifications. Experience leading worship is helpful. People of all faith traditions are welcome to apply.

The Prayer Resident typically serves for a month, though there is some flexibility in scheduling. Volunteers have two days off each week, and are expected to work cooperatively with the Ranch staff and to pitch in to help should unusual circumstances occur. It is also expected that Prayer Residents will contribute some other work to the Ranch and/or the Chapel congregation during their time in residence, as part of the duties to which they’ve committed. This could be something like leading a workshop for the Ranch (should this be within the Prayer Resident’s skill set and interest, and if it is arranged with plenty of advance notice), helping the Chaplain with a particular project in the Chapel, or helping with a project elsewhere on campus. This is to be discerned with the Chaplain in advance, as one’s application is being reviewed and discussed.

For further information email Chaplain at chaplain@bishopsranch.org.

Date posted: 8/25/21
Job Type: Volunteer
Category: Short-term
Start date: Opening in 2023 and beyond