Explore PrairieFire
Are you seeking a more meaningful life, enriched by deep spiritual awareness, authentic living, and a sense of purpose in an unpredictable world? PrairieFire offers a two-year journey of spiritual formation and renewal to help you grow and deepen in the context of contemplative community.
To learn more, join us for one of our PrairieFire Open House events!
- In-person Open House: Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 6:00–8:00 PM
- Virtual Open House: Monday, February 3, 2025 from 6:00–7:30 PM
Both events offer an opportunity to explore the program, ask questions, and discover how PrairieFire can support your journey.
Register for an Open House and take the first step toward transformation!
What is PrairieFire?
PrairieFire provides a sacred space to explore your inner spiritual terrain, uncover barriers to growth, and cultivate new ways of being. Through shared learning, reflection, and spiritual practices, participants deepen their connection to the Divine to engage with life in a more spiritually-grounded way.
The program fosters:
- Acceptance of self and others.
- A closer relationship with the Divine.
- Awareness of the sacredness in everyday life.
- Commitment to living with heightened spiritual awareness.
Participants may opt for an additional third-year practicum in spiritual direction.
Program Components
- Opening Retreat: A two-day event in September.
- Monthly Gatherings: Held on the third Saturday (October–June) at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center.
- One Silent Retreat: An individual silent directed retreat.
- Individual Spiritual Direction: Monthly sessions with a spiritual director (list provided).
- Coursework: Three assigned books each year, topical articles, reflection & integration papers.
Gatherings feature:
- Community-building with compassionate hospitality.
- Contemplative exercises and personal sharing.
- Topical presentations.
- Experiential practices and quiet reflection.
- Small group spiritual direction.
Download the PrairieFire Program Details to read more information.
Fees & Expenses
- Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable).
- Tuition: $2,150/year for two years.
- Additional Costs: Books, personal retreat, and spiritual direction sessions.
Limited scholarships are available for those who show a financial need.
How to Apply
- Download the spiritual autobiography requirements to review.
- Download the recommendation request form to share with two people.
- Complete the online application, uploading your spiritual autobiography and recommendation letters into the form on the last page. (Coming soon!)
- Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee and submit.
Applications are open January 1, 2025, and close June 15, 2025, or when the class is full. Early application is encouraged due to limited enrollment. Once materials are received, a staff member will contact you for an interview to discern your readiness for the program.
Applicants should demonstrate a solid rootedness in their personal spiritual journey, a commitment to going more broadly and deeply into their spiritual lives and a commitment to enter regular individual spiritual direction.
Please contact Andrea Severson with questions or concerns: aseverson@mindspiritcenter.org, telephone: 515.274.4006, ext. 164.
PrairieFire Foundations
The Metaphor
The prairie, one of Earth’s most intricate and balanced ecosystems, is a model of resilience and renewal. Native prairie plants thrive by growing deep roots, improving the soil, and fostering harmonious biodiversity. However, invasive species can disrupt this balance, requiring controlled burns to clear away harmful growth. These fires reveal long-dormant seeds, allowing them to germinate and bring forth lush, vibrant renewal. Only the deeply rooted native plants endure, becoming the foundation for the prairie’s flourishing revival.
Like the prairie, the human being is a complex system. Within the human condition disturbances can affect our natural spiritual balance. Fear, anger, or worry about our family, professional and work demands, societal expectations, cultural conditioning and even the state of the world can constrict awareness of our innate spiritual nature that flowers in its oneness with creation. In our life journey, it is necessary to periodically “burn away” that which blocks the growth of the deeper seed of the Divine Presence within all of us. This growth restores natural balance and invites us to renewal, flowering, freedom and a joyful life.
PrairieFire’s Invitation
PrairieFire offers a safe and sacred community where participants can embark on a journey of transformation, renewal, and spiritual growth. Guided by contemplative Christian traditions—particularly Benedictine spirituality—this program nurtures participants’ spiritual lives and supports their journey toward authentic living.
Through a combination of reflection, learning, and practice, participants will:
- Build a nurturing and intentional community that provides safety, support, and structure for deep inner work.
- Deepen their understanding of contemplative Christian traditions and explore transformative spiritual practices.
- Develop listening and discernment skills to cultivate deeper relationships with themselves, others, and the Divine Presence.
- Foster a way of being characterized by contemplation, non-reactivity, prayerful awareness, and authenticity.
The program encourages participants to examine their thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes—letting go of attachments, judgments, and expectations that block spiritual growth. By doing so, they open themselves to the truth of their divine nature and experience profound renewal:
- A deeper acceptance of oneself and others.
- A closer, more intimate relationship with the Divine.
- Greater alignment between their inner spiritual truth and their outward lives.
- A heightened awareness of the sacredness of everyday moments.
Ultimately, PrairieFire prepares participants to embody a life of contemplation and purpose, living authentically and contributing to the world with compassion and spiritual awareness.