Who are we?
We are a collective of women
We organize in circles, not in ladders. We do not have figureheads, but facilitators who hold space for each woman’s authentic presence.
Because everything we do is invitational rather than prescriptive, women learn to trust and follow their inner knowing rather than the dictates of the outer world.
We are a place of belonging
We offer a sacred “third place*”—outside of home and work—for women in this busy, modern world. We are a place of rest, rejuvenation, and calm.
Because there is a unique safety in women-only spaces, our approach allows for increased vulnerability and a deeper quality of connection.
*American sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third place” to refer to a social space outside of the home (“first place”) and workplace (“second place”) where people can gather, connect with others, and build community.
We are a spiritual home
For thousands of years, people have gathered in circles to participate in ritual, song, and prayer. For us, prayer is connecting with the universal. We are reclaiming prayer and other contemplative practices as timely, universal medicine for healing and belonging.
We offer a diverse, inclusive space for women to embrace spiritual practices free from judgment or doctrine.
We are a movement
We are rooted in abundance. Our approach is generative and emergent.
We aim to create circles upon circles! We believe our model can be replicated time and again to change current structures at large, and that women can be central in this change.
We collaborate with other projects that share our values and vision for fostering transformational culture.
Why do we circle?
Across time, place, and culture, the circle is a symbol of unity and wholeness.
The circle represents the interconnectedness of all things, the cycles of life, and the divine order of the universe.
As we circle, all are equal.
Within the circle, all are equidistant from the center, the source.
The circle is the ethos of our community and the model for the new paradigm we seek to foster. It signals the return of the Feminine to restore balance to our world.
Our Story
When Women Come to Pray was founded in 2020 by Luna Ray Canter and Ellen Green, following the passing of their dear friend, Melanie (“Mela”) Leenhouts.
In the final months of Mela’s life, and in the days following her passing, Luna and Ellen, along with Mela’s friends and family, created a circle of support, which met online to pray, sing, laugh, and surround Mela with love and presence through her transition.
Following Melanie’s death, the prayer circle took on a life of its own. What began as an online support community evolved into a diverse collective of women, who gather online and in person to pray together, share blessings, and nurture one another along our spiritual paths.
It is no coincidence that Mela (मेला) in Sanskrit means “festive gathering.” Indeed, Mela’s presence continues to be felt in all that we do.
“I live my life in widening circles that reach out across the world.”
Rainer Maria Rilke, Rilke's Book of Hours: Love Poems to God