A few weeks ago, during one of the last Bible studies I would lead for the young adults, we discussed spiritual disciplines in the context of God's presence. One individual mentioned that he was listening to a sermon online and the speaker mentioned that he locked himself in his closet for an hour, praying and meditating, until he was aware of God's presence.
Another individual, who had spent some time in prison, mentioned that since being released he was having a difficult time maintaining the same amount of time in prayer, study and meditation.
The question I had, but didn't ask the group, was why do we have a need to retreat in order to "find God"? Churches have prayer retreats and women's retreats and men's retreats and youth retreats. One can sign up to visit a hermitage. We find tiny corners in our homes in which we do our devotions.
Why are we so unable to be aware of God in our everyday mundane moments? Why do we retreat when we should be present?
wind blows deeply
Retreat or be present
Comments
:: Posted by caro (May 6, 2007 9:04 AM)
Since I basically stopped doing devotions I've had to look for God in everyday stuff. That was how I started out in my relationship with Him and it's kinda refreshing to go back to that way of being with Him. I find I end up praying sporadically as the need arises, usually without formal words, and wherever I am at the time. Devotions are good, I won't knock them, but I am enjoying the detachment of place in my relationship with God.