Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Dearest God,

For a long time I have been drawn to silence, not the absence of sound, rather the fullness of spirit.  In silence I find a vast sacred space, one where you dwell to speak, to challenge us in our small, narrow thinking.  When I step into silence, I feel a brush of your spirit wind.  In the vast openness I breathe fresh spirit air, cool, comforting, and calm.  It awakens the spirit within me, drawing me in, welcoming me to stay long.  As the air fills my being, I feel all anxieties, troubles, and worries escape me opening all my senses to your almighty power.  In deep awareness I am conscious of love and mercy but it is always grace that meets me first.  In acknowledgement of this high and holy host, I bow my head down in submission knowing your loving greatness is present.  As I dwell in your dwelling place, I feel the rush of joy and gladness to know I am welcome with every blemish I carry with me.  As I breathe in the silence, I await you, your word, your challenge.

This morning here in the mountain canyon I began reading Henri Nouwen's book entitled, The Way of the Heart.  I was profoundly moved when I read his description of silence.  He says silence does three things.  It makes us pilgrims.  It guards the fire within us.  It teaches us to speak.  Oh, yes, I said to myself as I reread the words again in the dim light.  I held the book close.  The warmth of your spirit filled me as I fell to sleep with these words.

Thank you,
Most Holy God,
for the
wide, open space
of your
living spirit.
Thank you
for your
gracious and loving kindness.
Thank you
for your word
that sometimes comes
through the words
of spiritual mothers
and fathers.
Thank you
for the desert
where meeting you
brings overwhelming joy.

Forever yours, Andrea