Prayer Spaces

In my first congregation I used an old classroom for my prayer space and I went there regularly. It was not a great looking space but it fit the bill. One of our members found out about my using the old classroom and he made it look a lot nicer and much more user friendly. I found that I could drop into a prayerful space more quickly there then any other space indoors.

We have a new prayer chapel in my current congregation and it is very nice. I have only been in there a handful of times and while it is nice it it harder for me to drop into a prayerful space there.

I think that the more we use a space for prayer the easier it is to drop into a prayerful presence. I also believe that it is not only us praying in the space but others too. I think that a place that is prayed in a lot becomes what some call a "thin space". A "thin space" is a place where the difference between heaven and earth is very thin. Another way to understand a thin space would be a place where the kingdom of heaven is more obvious.

My hope is that the new prayer chapel will become a thin space.

Desert Fathers

"Abbot Macarius said: If, wishing to correct another, you are moved to anger, you gratify your own passion. Do on lose yourself in order to save another."

I find this a wonderful challenge and very life giving as a parent.

Awhile

It has been awhile since I have written and I have missed it. Lately I have been mulling over a lot of stuff and it is hard at times to put into writing.

I came across this quote and it is powerful

" To be able to preserve a very contemplative life, while making myself available to all in everything, so as to be able to offer Jesus to all"
--Charles de Foucald

This seems to sum up for me so much of what is stirring in the background in my soul. To be be contemplative yet also available for the sake of Christ is a beautiful vision. I am deeply captured by the vision and spirituality of de Foucald.