Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Dear God,

I have been reading a lot about solitude and its value to the spiritual, psychological and emotional wellbeing in human living.  I remembered again the time I visited the supposed place close to the Sea of Galilee where Jesus "went away to a lonely place."  I remember standing in the tiny cutaway spot in the rock where Jesus dwelled in silence and prayer and meditation.  Although the scriptures do not say specifically that he walked away refreshed, the inference is there.

That was enough for me to begin to consider what it would mean for me to enter into silence and solitude.  As I too prayed for spiritual guidance, I was led to quiet places myself...beside the ocean, in the mountains, at monasteries, a cemetery, in the study at my own home and various labyrinths and spiritual paths.  What I discovered was that I craved this dwelling place.  I wanted to temporarily leave my busyness, chatter, television, computer and other distractions.  I wanted to dwell with you.  I still do.

Thank you,

Holy God,

for quiet places,

for dwelling places,

for grace-filled places.

Thank you

for your presence there.

Thank you

for inviting me in.

Love, Andrea