Where Wonder Leads: An Evening of Faith, Fantasy and Contemplative Prayer with Author Eric Clayton
Much has been said about how the faith lives of authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis influenced the stories they told. Narnia, Middle-earth—these places are dripping with spirituality, pulsing with grace! But while no shortage of ink has been shed analyzing the religious elements and impulses of these groundbreaking worlds, very little has been done to invite readers to pray with these fantastical places. Until now. Award-winning author Eric Clayton invites you to join him for an evening where we’ll tackle exactly this challenge. Using his new book from Loyola Press, Where Wonder Leads: Finding God through Fairy Tales, Myth and Contemplative Prayer, participants will have the opportunity to pray their way through their own epic tale—and discern the workings of the Spirit already humming in their own story. Through contemplative prayer inspired by the Ignatian spiritual tradition and excerpts from popular stories like The Lord of the Rings and more, we’ll have an evening of reflection, storytelling and mythmaking. The Well is thrilled to welcome Eric back for another delightful evening! Eric has offered previous programs at the Well engaging with his books, including My Life with the Jedi, Cannonball Moments and Finding Peace Here & Now, and served as a key note speaker at our Well Said Speaker Series. It is not necessary to read the book prior to attending the program. Eric will offer excerpts and handouts from the book, and copies will be available for purchase. You may wish to pre-order the book on Amazon - https://a.co/d/04dQjIPL. Light refreshments will be served.
DATE: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
TIME: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
COST: $40
LOCATION: Well for the Journey - 120 W. Seminary Ave, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093
REGISTRATION is required.
IMPORTANT: You will receive an email from programming@wellforthejourney.org at least 24 hours in advance of the start of your program. If you are unable to find the email, please check your SPAM or JUNK email folders. This email will include details to help you prepare for your program including any pertinent handouts, location information, and the ZOOM link for online programs. Please be sure you have received and read this email a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the start of the program. Thank you!
FACILITATOR: Eric A. Clayton
FACILITATOR BIO: Eric A. Clayton is an award-winning author, speaker, and retreat leader exploring the intersection of faith and imagination. His books include Where Wonder Leads: Finding God through Fairy Tales, Myth and Contemplative Prayer, Finding Peace Here and Now: How Ignatian Spirituality Leads Us to Healing and Wholeness, and several others. He is the Deputy Director for Communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, and writes an award-winning weekly newsletter entitled “Now Discern This” for an audience of nearly 30,000 subscribers, and is the host of AMDG: A Jesuit Podcast. Eric lives in Baltimore, MD with his wife, two daughters, and cat, Sebastian. Learn more at ericclaytonwrites.com and sign up for his Substack at ericclayton.substack.com.