Praying in Flesh and Bone
8 May 2027 @ 4:00 pm - 14 May 2027 @ 9:00 am
This programme aims to widen our understanding and practice of prayer through paying attention to the physical body.
During this week, we’ll explore how breath, movement, posture and attention can deepen our experience of prayer and strengthen our connection with God, ourselves, one another and creation.
Led by theologian, minister and movement practitioner Miriam Perkins, this prayer retreat programme offers a thoughtful and accessible exploration of embodied prayer through reflection, conversation and shared practice. Whether you’re seeking a retreat for spiritual growth, a Christian retreat experience, or simply a fresh approach to prayer, you’ll find space to slow down, listen and engage more fully with your faith.
Costs: 6 Nights: £960 or £480 concession.
Where: The Iona Abbey
When: 08.05.2027 – 14.05.2027
Led by: Miriam Perkins
About the programme
Prayer involves more than words alone. Together, we’ll discover how the body can support different aspects of prayer, including preparation, reflection, focus, expression and openness. Through breath work, guided practices, conversation and shared exploration, we’ll consider how prayer can help us hold what is difficult, seek healing and nurture hope for ourselves, our communities and the wider world.
This programme is for anyone interested in exploring prayer in a fresh way. Whether you have an established prayer practice or are simply curious about the relationship between faith, body and spirituality, you’ll be warmly welcomed. While some mobility is required, activities will be adapted wherever possible to support a range of abilities and levels of experience.
Set within the rhythm of life at Iona Abbey, this prayer retreat offers space to slow down, listen deeply and engage with embodied prayer in a thoughtful and supportive community. It is an opportunity for reflection, renewal and spiritual growth through both personal practice and shared experience.
Meet the Programme Leader(s)
Miriam Y. Perkins, Ph.D., is Professor of Theology at Emmanuel Christian Seminary teaching graduate courses in residence and online. Dr. Perkins is a theologian, ordained minister and movement practitioner whose work explores the relationship between faith, spirituality and the physical body. Drawing on her experience as a theology professor, yoga instructor and retreat leader, she helps people discover how prayer can be enriched through breath, movement, reflection and embodied practice.
What to expect
Each day will combine prayer, reflection, conversation and gentle embodied practices, creating space to explore the relationship between faith and the physical body.
Guided by Miriam, you’ll be introduced to a range of approaches that draw attention to breath, posture, movement and presence in prayer. Through teaching, guided reflection and shared discussion, we’ll explore how the body can support us in preparing for prayer, focusing our attention, expressing ourselves honestly before God and remaining open to transformation.
The programme is designed to be thoughtful, accessible and participatory. No previous experience of movement practices is required, and activities will be adapted where possible to accommodate a range of abilities. While some mobility is needed, the emphasis is on awareness and participation rather than physical performance.
Alongside the programme sessions, you’ll share in the daily rhythm of life at the Abbey, including worship, meals and time in community. There will also be opportunities for personal reflection, quiet walks and enjoying the beauty of Iona.
This prayer retreat offers a balance of structured learning and spaciousness, helping you engage with embodied prayer in ways that are practical, reflective and rooted in Christian faith. Whether you’re looking to deepen an existing prayer practice or explore new ways of connecting with God, the week offers space for renewal, discovery and spiritual growth.
Key Information
Before booking, it’s helpful to know that this programme combines prayer, reflection and embodied practice throughout the week. You’ll share meals, worship and daily life with other guests while exploring how breath, movement and attention can deepen your experience of prayer and connection with God.
Booking Information
What's included
Your stay at Iona Abbey includes everything you need to fully take part in the experience:
+ Accommodation in the Abbey
+ Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
+ All programme sessions
+ Music, art and craft opportunities
+ Guided walks
Pricing & discounts
Prices vary depending on the type of week and length of stay.
- Standard week (6 nights): from £960 (adult)
- Reduced rates available from £480
- Children aged 5–15: £480
- Children under 5: free (contact [email protected])
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
We offer a 50% reduced rate for eligible UK residents, including:
+ Students
+ Those on state benefits or pension
+ Those earning below the real living wage
+ Refugees, asylum seekers, or those experiencing homelessness
A 15% family discount is automatically applied for groups of four or more (where adults pay full price).
We also have an Access Fund to support those who would not otherwise be able to attend.
Food & dietary
All meals are provided, with a focus on:
+ Healthy, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients
+ Primarily vegetarian meals (with one optional meat meal per week)
We can cater for most dietary requirements (including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free), but please let us know in advance.
Accommodation
+ 21 guest rooms (single, twin, triple and family rooms)
+ Some rooms are accessible, with lift access available to certain areas
+ Guests may be asked to share a room, particularly if travelling alone
+ Families of up to four can usually be accommodated in one room
If you have specific requirements (e.g. accessibility or room type), please let us know when booking.
For full room details and accessibility information, see our Accommodation FAQs.
Support our Access Fund
While you are making your own booking, please consider making a donation towards the Access Fund if you are able to, which allows financially disadvantaged people to stay at Iona Abbey. Thank you.
Your gift would help to pay towards:
| £1,000 | A week for a family on Iona |
| £300 | A week for a person on Iona |
| £200 | A week for a child on Iona |
| £100 | A week for a person at Camas |
| £50 | A night on Iona |
| £25 | A night at Camas |
Planning your stay
Getting to Iona
Travelling to Iona is part of the experience and involves:
+ Ferry from Oban to Mull
+ Bus across Mull
+ Ferry from Fionnphort to Iona
We recommend planning your journey in advance and allowing plenty of time.
Arrival and Stay
+ Arrival day is typically Saturday from 3pm onwards
+ You’ll be welcomed at the jetty or Abbey on arrival
+ Guests are invited to take part in daily community life, including optional worship and light shared tasks
Important to know
- Full balance must be paid 6 weeks before arrival
- Cancellations within 6 weeks are non-refundable
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended
- The Abbey is an alcohol-free environment
- WiFi is available but may be limited
Need help?
If you have any questions before booking, you can contact the team at [email protected]
USA North East