A Year with Thomas Merton: New Seeds of Contemplation

The Institute of Christian Spirituality's 2026 series on Thomas Merton's writings continues with New Seeds of Contemplation, an online weekly seminar which turns attention inward to explore what it means to become our “true self” before God. Merton helps us recognize how easily we get distracted by ego, pressure and expectations, and he offers a clearer, freer way of living through prayerful awareness. This book invites us to live with greater honesty, compassion and spiritual depth. The sessions will be facilitated by Lance Bolay, D. Min., director of mission impact at Mosaic Counseling Centers of East Texas, a trained spiritual director (Institute for Christian Spirituality & Shalem Institute) who has guided others in contemplative formation since 2010. Bolay joined the ICS faculty as an instructor in 2015. The weekly themes are: Cost: $100 for four sessions. Lipscomb faculty and staff can email ics@lipscomb.edu for a $40 discount code. Students may also email ICS to receive a discount code for $10 tickets. Each hour-long session will be presented via Zoom from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. CT on Aug. 4, 11, 18 & 25. The Zoom link will be shared with you by email prior to the event. Register Here