Photo by Carl Kerridge
By Emma Castleberry
When the pandemic left many people searching for connection during an isolating time, two women found themselves gathering online to support a friend through the end of her life.
“We realized that this prayer circle was not only a way to cultivate connection in a time of isolation but also a sacred way to connect and lift each other up as women,” says Luna Ray, co-founder with Ellen Green of the nonprofit When Women Come to Pray (WWC2P).
Ellen is a meeting and event planner who manages events around the world. Luna Ray is a mother of two, musician/recording artist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner offering a trauma-informed approach. WWC2P is a nonprofit fiscally sponsored by the GIVSUM Foundation that brings together women from a wide range of backgrounds for twice-weekly online prayer circles, in-person gatherings, leadership training and retreats.
Photo by Ellen B. Green
“Our mission is to nurture a community of women and girls that embodies collaboration, connection and belonging, thereby modeling a paradigm of wholeness for our world,” says Green.
Gatherings often include service projects, singing, movement, yoga, journaling, art, ritual, ceremony and time in nature, offering participants opportunities to process both joy and grief while building meaningful relationships.
“The most common misconception about our organization is that we are a religious group since our name includes the word pray,” says Ray. “We don’t believe that it is necessary to prescribe to a particular dogma in order to come together in prayer.”
Instead, the organization embraces prayer as a practice that exists across cultures and traditions.
“There is a vulnerability that accompanies shared prayer which fosters deep connection,” says Green. “Rituals are a way to bring mindfulness and intention to our lives. They calm the amygdala in the brain which helps us feel more grounded in times of chaos or distress.”
The organization’s approach intentionally welcomes women across generations, cultures and spiritual traditions.
Photo by Ellen B. Green
“Various backgrounds and faith traditions diversify the culture of the group and allow for varying perspectives which show us that there is not just one way to practice or live,” says Green.
Participant Andrea Currens first learned about the organization through Green and has since attended local retreats, traveled with the group to Ireland and plans to join its upcoming pilgrimage to Peru.
“In these challenging times the group offers a grounding place to get resourced and feel supported and nurtured,” says Currens. “It is a safe community where women support and lift each other up through connecting with self, others and something greater than ourselves. The definition of prayer is very broad and does not have any specific religious connotation.”
The founders reflect on stories of women supporting one another through financial hardship, finding safety during personal struggles and developing the confidence to lead circles of their own. More than 15 new circles have grown out of the organization’s Power of the Circle leadership training.
“During this imbalanced time on the planet,” says Ray, “where we need more embodied and empathetic leadership to restore balance, we began to see incredible upliftment, empowerment and healing happening through the consistency of our circles. We started witnessing women becoming more confident in themselves, more centered in themselves and willing to take brave steps towards goals and dreams to create a better world.”
In addition to a virtual prayer circle twice weekly, in-person circles happen monthly, with the next scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, from 6–7:30 p.m. at Rose Knoll Urban Oasis. WWC2P will also lead Sacred Reciprocity: A Women’s Pilgrimage to Peru from Friday, October 23, through Friday, October 30. A new Power of the Circle leadership training is planned for early 2027.
“We heal and nurture each other in community,” says Currens. “Luna and Ellen create a very intentional container that is trauma-informed, where inspiring, authentic women connect and support one another. Each individual is honored and celebrated for their unique gifts.”
Learn more at WhenWomenCome2Pray.org.
