I would be interested to know how many practice silence, solitude, meditation and contemplative prayer. How many are interested in the mystics, Theresa of Avila, etc. Also, are there any spiritual directors in the group? I am a spiritual director, educated through Center for Spiritual Development in Orange, CA and Loyola-Marymount in Los Angeles. I am a part of the Good Shepherd Center for Spiritual Direction in El Cajon, CA. I look forward to hearing from you.
Barbara
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I've not experienced a Contemplative Prayer retreat but it's something that I've wanted to experience. Cost and location seem to be a factor. I love the writings of Thomas Keating, Henry Nouwen, and others---deep thoughts that no everyone appreciates or understands.
I have often wondered what to expect if I were to go to one of the workshops.
Looking forward to hearing more from you,
Jen
Barbara
I practice silence and meditation--"Be still and know that I am God," and I also practice loud proclaiming, singing and worship, in probably about 50-50 proportions. I've had a lot of powerful experiences meeting with the Lord through the Holy Spirit. I started a blog to let people know about the wonderful things available to us through prayer and seeking the Lord. If you are interested in looking it over it's at http://outofthefirebook.blogspot.com. Some of the entries are about my spiritual experiences and some are my musings.
Blessings,
David Hobbs
Silence, solitude, meditation and contemplative prayer - all seem to weave in and out of my day to day praying, particularly during the "night watches." I have read many of the mystics, often stumbling over archaic sentence structure and unfamiliar vocabulary, but the effort has always been worth it to me.
One of the lessons I have taken from the mystics is that I do not have to remove myself from my life in order to find Him and to become refreshed. I'm sure there is benefit from a guided retreat, but as a single mother raising three small children, I needed to find those moments in the midst of chaos - like Brother Lawrence did while washing pots and pans, or as Jeanne Guyon did in so many ways.
My favorite "spiritual retreat" is one that is unplanned - on vacation with family in the mountains, waking before dawn and walking to the lake to watch as God draws curtains of mist aside, revealing His glorious creation. When these channels of contemplation are charted into our souls, we can find silence and solitude on a busy commuter bus, thereby leaving droplets of His grace and mercy in our wake.
Hi Kimberly; you are absolutely right and it sounds like you have found ways to immerse yourself into nature where you find rest and refreshment, as well as finding God in the midst of a busy life as a single mom of three. That is where you can truly follow the lead of Brother Lawrence, your life is definitely a ministry of love and care as a mom. Do you attend a church where you can share and discuss the mystics? I know for many people that is not an option for them. I, fortunately attend a United Methodist Church that has a pastor who loves the mystics, silence and solitude and all of the benefits thereof. I am particularly blessed because I work side by side with him six days a week and that adds strength to my soul. Thanks so much for responding, I appreciate it and would welcome your comments any time. God's richest blessings upon you, Kimberly. Barbara
Barbara,
I have enjoyed reading the devotional classics by Richard Foster. The book has excerpts of these authors you mentioned.
The main reason of my desire of solitude is that I am often the victim of ‘tyranny of the urgent’- being alone with God for me has gradually diminished, and I missed it.
Thanks for your insightful spiritual directives, please continue to post road-maps that could lead to deeper knowledge of Father, fuller grace of Christ, and rich sanctification of Spirit.
Then, I believe, we as His beloved, could become His workmanship in every good work bearing eternal fruit; obedient to His command which are not burdensome, then to see & taste that He is good.
Barbara Dixon said:
Using self-hypnosis for mind-blanking is a good way to open yourself up to unclean spirits. Our conscious mind is a natural barrier to unclean spirits. Satan's minions must get you to suppress your mind to get in. They can give you 'good' feelings, but those won't last. We are seeing Yoga and shamanism coming into the church this way.
The Bible uses the word "meditate", meaning to contemplate on scripture and its application. It does not mean mind-blanking or endless repetition of a word until your mind shuts down.
Thank you Tim R. for speaking into this discussion. Satan is sooo deceptive. Anything not purely taught in scripture is so dangerous. The massive wave of 'spiritualism' entering the church is very scary. Thank God for His Word to us so clear about keeping immersed in the Word.