One of my favorite places to visit is the Abbey of Gethsemani near Bardstown, KY. It was the first Trappist monastery in the nation, and the one to which all others in the U.S. trace their lineage. I love the cycle of prayer, and the extended periods of silence available to the retreatant there. But because I usually get too wrapped up in "daily life," it usually takes me most of a day to settle my spirit down and really experience the quiet peace of my surroundings.
Likewise, one of my favorite Advent traditions is to light our wreath early in the morning and pray the Office of Readings by its light. This simple, quiet practice reminds me of my retreats among the Trappists. However, this Advent has so atypical! It was the middle of the second week before we were able dig out our wreath and buy new candles. And just like my retreats at the abbey, it has taken some time to encounter a sense of the Lord's presence in this morning prayer time.
The thing is, our spirituality and our lives should not focus too much on our feelings. I know that when I pray, I meet the Lord, whether I feel I have or not. And when I persevere in prayer despite whatever my feelings may be, I will grow in the Lord. That doesn't happen by my efforts, but by God's grace. Still, like most gifts, it must be opened to make a difference in my life.
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