Session 1 — The Divine Name
Trace the unbroken thread of God's intimate presence — from the walk in Eden to the gift of the Name and the indwelling Spirit — learning to recognise the God who draws near.
Explorations in Biblical Spirituality
A Spiritual Reading of the Word of God through the Carmelite Lens
“Meditate day and night on the law of the Lord, watching in prayer.” — The Rule of St AlbertRegister Now View the seven sessions
Start Date
20 January 2027
Duration
7 Weekly Sessions
Time
Wednesdays, 4:00–6:00pm GMT
Format
Online via Zoom
Cost
£270 or £90/month
About This Course
This formative course invites you to engage Scripture not primarily for information but for transformation—allowing the Word to read you as you read it, and to form you in the pattern of Christ through the wisdom of the Carmelite tradition.
Over seven weekly gatherings, we will trace a journey through the great themes of Scripture: Presence, Covenant, Wisdom, Praise, Prophecy, Communion, and Liberation. Each module weaves together biblical exegesis, theology and spirituality with the lived wisdom of Carmelite saints—Teresa of Ávila, John of the Cross, Brother Lawrence, Elizabeth of the Trinity, Edith Stein, and Titus Brandsma.
This is not an academic Bible study. It is an encounter with the Living Word of God. Through contemplative engagement with the Word, guided prayer, community sharing, and spiritual practices between sessions, you will be invited into a deeper relationship with the God who speaks through Scripture and dwells within you.
What You’ll Experience
- Biblical exegesis, theology and spirituality across Old and New Testaments
- Carmelite wisdom on contemplative living
- Guided silent prayer in each session
- Small group breakout discussions
- Practices for the week between sessions
- A growing Carmelite Examen practice
This Course Is For You If…
- You want Scripture to form your soul, not just inform your mind
- You’re drawn to contemplative spirituality
- You’re curious about the Carmelite tradition
- You long for a deeper prayer life
- You value learning in community
- You can commit to weekly sessions
The Seven Sessions
Session 2 — Living with God
Discover the unfolding story of covenant that shapes God's expanding household, from the first promises through to the New Covenant established in Christ.
Session 3 — Wisdom for Mission
Journey into the divine gift of Torah and the call to be a light, discovering how God's wisdom forms a people for faithful presence and purposeful mission in the world.
Session 4 — In Praise of God's Glory
Learn to see every aspect of life as an act of worship, where human flourishing becomes the echo of God's glory and doxology transforms daily living.
Session 5 — Speaking Truth, Building Hope
Through the lens of the prophets, learn to see God's enduring vision for humanity and embrace the call to speak truth that realigns us with covenant faithfulness and hope.
Session 6 — Community and Belonging
Enter the fulfilment of prophetic hope: a new community — one Body with many members — forged in love and rooted in communion with Christ and one another.
Session 7 — Freedom to Flourish
Explore Paul's radical teaching on true liberation: freedom in the Spirit that releases us from bondage and empowers us to flourish in love as God's children.
Each Session
Every two-hour gathering follows a rhythm designed for formation:
Session Structure
- Session One (30 min): Scripture focus—biblical exegesis and theology
- Break (5 min)
- Session Two (40 min): From Scripture to Carmelite spirituality
- Guided Silent Prayer (10 min)
- Breakout Discussion (25 min): Small group sharing
Between Sessions
- Preparatory Scripture readings
- Lectio Divina with key passages
- Daily spiritual practices
- Journaling prompts
- Growing Carmelite Examen
Registration
All live sessions via Zoom
Recordings for 6 months
Course materials included
Small group community
Concessions available. No one turned away for lack of funds — please email admin@cacs.org.uk.
Practical Information
Recordings
All sessions are recorded and available within 72 hours, so you can catch up if you miss a gathering or revisit the material. Recordings remain accessible for 6 months after the end of the course.
Requirements
A Bible (any translation), a journal, and a quiet space. Zoom access required. No prior knowledge of Carmelite spirituality necessary — scaffolding is provided for newcomers.
Your Facilitators
Fr Alex Ezechukwu OCD is a Carmelite friar and serves as Prior of the Carmelite community at Boars Hill, Oxford, and Director of the Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality. He holds a Licence in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome.
Other Carmelite friars who are experts in the Scriptures will join him in delivering the sessions. Others experienced in prayer, spiritual guidance, and the contemplative life will also support the programme.
The course was transformative. I came expecting to learn about Scripture; I left having encountered the God who speaks through it. The combination of biblical depth and Carmelite wisdom was exactly what I needed.
— Previous course participant
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know anything about Carmelite spirituality?
Not at all. The course includes a full introduction to the Carmelite tradition, its history, key figures, and core practices. We provide scaffolding for newcomers while offering depth for those already familiar with Carmel.
What if I can’t attend every session?
All sessions are recorded and available within 72 hours. While live participation enriches the experience (especially the breakout discussions), you can engage meaningfully through the recordings. Recordings remain accessible for 6 months after the course ends.
Is this an academic course?
No. While we engage Scripture seriously with proper exegesis and theology, this is a formative course, not an academic one. We aim for transformation, not information alone. The approach is experiential, prayerful, and practical.
How much time should I expect to spend between sessions?
We suggest 15–20 minutes daily for the practices, plus time for Lectio Divina with the preparatory readings. The weekly rhythm is designed to be sustainable for those with busy lives.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. We offer a 3-month payment plan at £90 per month. Concessions are also available for those facing financial hardship — please contact admin@cacs.org.uk.
How long will I have access to the recordings?
Recordings are available within 72 hours of each session and remain accessible for 6 months after the course ends, giving you plenty of time to revisit the material.
Begin the Journey
The Word of God is living and active. Let it read you, form you, and draw you into the life of prayer that the Carmelite saints have walked before us.
Register Now — Places Limited