Where does one go where silence and quietness is valued and practiced? One place is the Monastery of the Holy Spirit just a few miles away in Conyers. GA.
The monastery has a Guest House for anyone to come for personal or group retreats. Guests are invited to participate with the monks in the various times of prayer and meditation. Although I did not make the 4:00 a.m. Vigils, my spirit was refreshed through the other shared times of prayer and by the beauty and the tranquility of the place.
During two days of retreat for myself, with only two or three minor exceptions, I did not speak and no one spoke to me. Other retreatants and I greeted each other with a smile and a nod of the head. Words were not necessary.
The words of the Psalms and prayers in the Abbey church were mainly all the spoken language that I heard for 48 hours. But I engaged in significant holy conversation with God and myself through silence. I was amazed at how many hymns, praise choruses, and scripture that sprang up from my sub-conscious. I worshipped God silently but genuinely.
I believe that God is present with us at all times and in all places. I also know that there are times when the noise around me prevents me from hearing God speaking to me. I need to find God in my everyday and it is difficult to hear God in noise and restlessness. It is not necessary to go away for a period, but it is important to create opportunities in the regular routines to enable the voice of God to be heard.
I need to hear and heed the words of the psalmist, “Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10).”
excerpt from a devotion by Jamie Jenkins, North GA, AC
jjenkins@ngumc.org
God Is Still in Control!
Miss Lladale Carey
Web Content Producer
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