As we focus on prayer during 2026, we are exploring the many different ways people pray and the opportunities we have to learn from one another.
Beverly Stark is part of Stillwaters, a contemplative prayer group from the Bath area. This growing community comes together in quiet prayer each day. For those seeking a quiet space for prayer and reflection in the middle of busy lives, Stillwaters offers a simple rhythm of shared silence, friendship and faith. The contemplative community brings people together across Bath and beyond, to pause, pray and hold others before God. They meet regularly to share a meal, friendship, and prayer - a tradition that’s been in place for more than three years.
Here Beverly shares more about Sillwaters.
Stillwaters is a contemplative, ecumenical and inclusive Christian community, gathering people from across Bath and beyond, both as members and as guests. Drawing on the centuries-old contemplative Christian tradition, we seek, above all, to become the kind of people who live awake to God’s presence.
The Stillwaters community is committed to the practice of silent prayer and follows a simple rhythm of life. Whenever we can, and wherever we are, we pause to pray for others at around midday. Each week on a Wednesday morning at 7.45am, there is a short online prayer service (a mix of liturgy, readings and silence), for all who would like to attend, led by a member of the community.
Once a month in central Bath, we share a simple meal with guests at 6.30pm, followed by an hour of reflection and silence. There is often the opportunity to try something creative, if you would like to, or to listen to a guest speaker, or to learn more about contemplative prayer. Stillwaters provides a gathering place for those who may be interested in a more contemplative Christian path. Some who attend may have stepped away from church for some reason, but want to be part of a Christian community.
Stillwaters can also offer advice to local churches interested in setting up their own contemplative group.
To find out more, please contact Katy, Beverly and Richard at: stillwaters-uk@googlegroups.com