If we are going to be passionate about the God of the Universe we must come to terms with God on God’s terms not our own. A god of our own construct is no god - but an idol of our own creation. God must be appreciated as God truly is; revealed on the terms God has determined and employed: through the created order and through the special revelation of Scripture. We need our faulty and incomplete images of God refreshed and re-oriented often for our calibration to understand and appreciate God seems to be easily skewed. The prescription for me is regular time in reflection/meditation on a portion of Scripture accompanied by being attentive to God’s presence in silence. Through doses of scriptural reality and times just “being with God” my life is reordered and my passion for God reignited.

“The Church has surrendered her once lofty concept of God and has substituted for it one so low, so ignoble, as to be utterly unworthy of thinking, worshipping men. … We have lost our spirit of worship and our ability to withdraw inwardly to meet God in adoring silence.” (A. W. Tozer. The Knowledge of the Holy. The Attributes of God: Their Meaning in the Christian Life. New York: Harper and Row. 1961. pg. 6).

My wife and I were talking about the aspect of Autumn that - one day the trees are gorgeous showing off their colors - and the next day it is gone. So, is one of the lessons of the season of fall:

“open your eyes to the ever changing fall, for if you don’t stop, observe, and appreciate it today, it may be gone.”?

I think it may be one of the lessons the seasons tell us, over and over again. A lesson that I fail to observe… over and over again. May I have eyes to see and ears to hear all that is being declared and shared in this moment on this day!

I had heard, not too long after Mother Teresa died, that if she was a saint it would be a saint to the doubting. I wondered about that - and did some research and learned that Mother Teresa had not felt or sensed God’s presence since the late 40’s. This boggled my mind. Was it since she was surrounded by Christ’s presence in the poor, sick, and homeless? Was it to quell her pride? Was it a “sharing in the sufferings of Christ?”

Time Magazine has written a fairly extensive article on this “little known reality” in Mother Teresa. It is well worth the reading. The “dark night” and the purgation of senses is often a topic we avoid. Yet, this is a necessary and requisite journey all of us take (and some take for their whole lives).

Mother Teresa’s Crisis of Faith

Brother Roger was the founder of Taize (a small ecumenical monastic community) which has become a regular gathering point for young people around the world to take part in prayer and reflection. I enjoy his prayer as he incorporates the powerful picture of Jesus’ appearance on the road to Emmaus.

Dear Father,

Amen.

The following prayer is one used at Taize, so we can join in praying with the pilgrims at Taize, today…

Jesus, light of our hearts,
since you rose from the dead,
you have never stopped coming to us.

Amen.

I have been pursuing God in more passive ways over the past few years. I don’t know if it is “right” - but it has been the path I have been on. By “passive” I mean - less about things I do and more about being available or receptive to what God is doing. I call this a “passive-spirituality.” Again to re-iterate not because it is spirituality for the lazy or laissez-faire - but a spirituality where we receive and God acts (as opposed to many of the disciplines we are familiar with fasting, studying, verbal prayer, corporate worship, etc.).

I find that I need help to “wind-down” and to enter into a receptive/passive mode in my relationships. To be present to others and God. It takes time - and a peaceful environment to bring your whole self before God and just - be. It then takes faith to trust that just being with God is really happening and that over time this transforms us (but I think most of the time I believe it!?).

Some music really assists me in this way (not all - like I wouldn’t recommend AC/DC - Back In Black for this purpose). If you want to explore this whole passive-spirituality I would encourage some music that calms, moves you to an awareness of yourself and to an awareness of the presence of God. As we bring down the RPM of our inner life - we can be more present to the now and more present to God’s presence.

Some musical recommendations to help us be… and prepare us to be with God:

Benediction by Jeff Johnson

A great mix of vocal and instrumental music with some celtic influence. Very nice stuff - a great help in regaining a focus and moving one from the temporal stresses to the “big picture” perspective. Also a great introduction to the music of Taize - Jeff does some great renditions of some classic Taize tunes (Jesus, Remember Me, Bless the Lord, etc.) making them a bit more accessible.

Beyond These Shores by Iona

A journey piece that all at once connects us to our roots of this earth and the beauty of heaven. A very emotive and atmospheric piece that never fails to slow my pulse a bit and simultaneously provides perspective (this is not escapist music). Great musicians and great art - definitely celtic in flavor (as the name implies)!

Empty Canvas by John Michael Talbot

Instrumental guitar in the “Windham Hill/new age” tradition. Great stuff. J. M. Talbot creates so much on the “empty canvas.” I find this disc is a great one for finding rest and yet keeping me from slipping away into sleep or day dreaming. It has an ability to keep me in a peaceful alertness. Great music for preparing one for practicing a “passive-spirituality.”

Veni Sancte Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit) by Taize

This may stretch some (either in the ears or in the attention-span), but for me I must mention this release; it is often spun when I need to “wind down.” Like most Taize recordings the lyrics are sung in a variety of languages (primarily English and Latin - but others show up). This repetitive and simple lyrical and musical approach is written for the very purpose of practicing a more “passive spirituality.” It is worth a try if you have never tried. The focus of this particular release is an invitation for the Spirit to visit us; sharing the fruit and gifts that accompanies the Spirit’s presence.

Passion by Peter Gabriel

This particular recording strikes a very “primitive” place in me. It definitely helps me find my place in “the world.” I absolutely love the music and also find it helps me connect to the world and to God in a very unique way. Although this is the soundtrack to a rather controversial film - Gabriel, nevertheless, has produced a masterpiece that transcends the film. On more than one occasion this offering has served to help me enter into the now - where God becomes more present and I am more present to myself.

Share any questions, thoughts or suggestions in the comments below that you might have as it relates to music, meditation, passive-spirituality (or AC/DC for that matter?!)…

in one peace.

The fruit of silence is prayer,
The fruit of prayer is faith,
The fruit of faith is love,
The fruit of love is service,
The fruit of service is peace.

Mother Theresa
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Simple, yet M. Theresa’s “simple path” is worthy of contemplation and careful consideration. The starting point is one which I have found few appreciate. But when we find that transforming furnace of silence, we discover new perspectives, our passions, a new person (our true identity) and most important we become more acquainted with the person and presence of God. This leads us on down the “simple path” for the fruit of silence is prayer…

Although this week we are supposed to get some real heat finally here in Western Pennsylvania, on Saturday I was out getting ready for winter. As I wielded a chain saw and helped run the splitter and stacked firewood - I thought to myself, “Tell me again Doug, why do you choose to do this?”

Why do I choose to heat with wood? Why did I spend a considerable amount of money to put an efficient, EPA approved wood stove in my home? Why do I spend hot and humid days outside getting ready for winter?

There are actually alot of reasons and benefits (not the least of which I need the exercise!). I think it comes down to the fact that - it is good for me to stay close to the seasons. I need tangible and regular reminders of the heat of summer, the harshness of winter, the beauty and harvest of fall and the new life of spring. In my everyday - I can run from climate controlled environment to climate controlled environment completely oblivious to rain, snow, heat or freezes. I can easily fall into the trap of doing my own thing; living in my world (but absent from the Creator’s world).

So - beyond a host of other reasons (using the resources around me, the need for wood to dry out to evolve into good fuel, becoming a little less natural gas reliant, involving myself in the land around me, investing in and being mindful that heat costs us something [it isn’t as easy as flipping a thermostat], etc.) I sweat in the summer and work to heat my home in the winter to stay rooted to the creator’s world.

early morning hours

stillness lingers on
not a drop spills over top
Mystery filling

awakened to find
each moment flashes your touch
new eyes moving slow

confined to God speed
brings a fresh way to be now
stillness lingers on

greeting a new day

This is a second take at beauty and spirituality (my first post is here).

For a number of years I lived in the DC metro area, and after I discovered the need in my life for regular retreat days, I would often spend my time at the National Cathedral. It was a wonderful place to take in spectacular beauty (in the gardens, amidst the gothic architecture and guided by the amazing pieces of liturgical art scattered about). I would often spend the first hour or so just wandering aimlessly “taking it in.” Then my custom often led me to St. Joseph’s Chapel in the basement of the Cathedral - here it was often quiet, away from the tourists and I was able to meditate, dream, rest and read in relative peace. In the midst of this space - created to help the pilgrim turn toward God - I was often the recipient of grace, peace, love and fresh perspective and faith.

I recall one particular afternoon vividly. I was fighting sleep. I was struggling to focus. I was restless. I was fairly perturbed at noisy custodians and carefree visitors. I had already wandered aimlessly not finding “appropriate” or “desirable” alternative spots to St. Joseph’s Chapel. I had squandered precious time perusing the trinkets, books and “gifts” at the Cathedral Bookstore and now feeling like a complete wreck (heck if I can’t find God here in a cathedral, what is wrong with me!) I was desperate. Following my well-worn and well-known path back toward St. Joseph’s Chapel I noticed a door in an alcove just a few steps from the exit of the basement steps. The door said welcome and had a title - like office of center for spirituality, or some such thing (now it is the office for The Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage. I walked in.

It was a very sedate office with a waiting room feel (very much out of character for this Gothic Cathedral) I noticed a few journals placed on end tables and there was rack of books that I naturally gave a “once over.” Then I noticed it. Another doorway off to the right of the “waiting room.” I made my way over the threshold.

I immediately became aware of my heartbeat slowing, I felt cool air, I breathed in the whole atmosphere - I felt home (not just nostalgic feelings, but a sense of belonging at the very core of who I am). There was nothing ancient or Gothic about this basement prayer space and yet everything about it caused me to reflect and rest and remember and sense the refreshing of the Most Hight God. I had stumbled into what I can only describe as a “Thin Space” (that is how the Ancient Celts referred to “sacred spaces”). A “thin space” are those places where the fabric of this world and the next world is overlapping in such a way that we get a glimpse of and genuinely sense the nearness of God.

This basement prayer room was a space full of natural light (through skylights) intricate yet stark modern architecture, candles, and prayer-centric furnishings - the space called to and invited the guest to encounter The Mystery. There was little need to “enter in;” I was plunged into God and there I rested and was refreshed. I can’t tell you what took place, or remember my thoughts, I can tell you that the hospitality of this quiet get-a-way was one that is etched on my soul.

I honestly haven’t been back to this room in over 6 years… so I don’t know if it still exists - but it’s beauty and sacredness helped shape me into who I am becoming. I pray that you have found such places/spaces where your soul can expand, roots deepen and the well of your life can be refreshed. In the evangelical heritage I am a part of - finding a dedicated prayer space in one of our churches is unfortunately a rare occurrence since we seem to be enamored with Multi-purpose spaces vice Sacred and dedicated spaces (that is a rant for another post). As a result I need to seek out such spaces.

Where do you find such beauty, hospitality, sacred spaces - a place that ushers you into God’s presence - in nature, in a cathedral, in a basement chapel, in a private prayer closet or somewhere else? Add a comment and share the beauty of your sacred space.

From The Simple Way
UPDATE!

6/21/07
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There is a new way to donate to the cause of rebuilding The Simple Way…

Donate using this link.

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6/20/07 12:30PM
This morning(Wednesday June 20, 2007), a 7-alarm fire consumed an abandoned warehouse in our Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia. The Simple Way Community Center at 3200 Potter Street was destroyed as well as at least eight of our neighbors’ homes. Over 100 people were evacuated from their homes, and 400 families are currently without power. Despite this developing tragedy, we are incredibly thankful to share that all of our community members and every one of our neighbors is safely out of harm’s way.

This fire will forever change the fabric of our community. Eight families are currently homeless, and in many cases have lost their vehicles as well as their homes. One of our neighbors, the Mahaias Family, lost their three cars as well as the equipment one family member uses for her massage therapy business. Teenager Brian Mahaias is devastated not because he has lost his belongings, but because he fears that this fire will force him to move away from this neighborhood that is his family as well as his home.

The Simple Way has lost a community center that was home to our Yes! And… afterschool program, community arts center, and Cottage Printworks t-shirt micro-business as well as to two of our community members. Community members Shane Claiborne and Jesce Walz have lost all of their belongings, Yes! And…’s after school studio and library were ruined, and community member Justin Donner’s Cottage Printworks equipment and t-shirts were destroyed.

We are thankful that we are able to help each other during this time of need, and we will continue to keep your informed about today’s events.

We have established funds to support the families who have lost their homes, the Yes! And… afterschool program, and the Simple Way community.

A fund to support the families has been established through a partner organization, EAPE. Tax-deductible donations can be made at https://www.tonycampolo.org/online_donation.php . Please make sure to put “Kensington Families Fund ” in the memo section.

Donations to the Rebuilding Fund can be made via PayPal to contribute@awip.us.

-The Simple Way Community