This month’s reflection includes excerpts from “Christianity for the Rest of Us” written by Diana Butler Bass (required reading for ELM.) The author traveled around America and writes about the practices vital and growing mainline protestant congregations' use. She found churches that have a faith that is open and generous, intellectual and emotive, beautiful and just. The book shares what 50 churches are doing in growing deeper in their Christian practices.
One chapter is titled “Contemplation Open for Prayer” She writes:
In January 2001, I was teaching a course at Wesley Seminary in Washington, D.C. One student asked me what I thought the 21th century would be like. Without a moment’s hesitation, I replied, “Noisy. It will be noisy.” Intense population growth, increased urbanization, the spread of technology. Just think of cell phones on airplanes. Yes, this new century will be noisy.
I was surprised by how much silence I encountered as I traveled through the emerging mainline. From board meetings and Bible studies, labyrinth walks and discernment groups, they learned to listen to God, not just to pray for things.”
For one church to achieve personal and communal balance, they follow a model of “sanctuary-house-closet”. Each component is necessary to the balanced life: “sanctuary” or Sunday worship; “house” or small-group fellowship; and “closet” or contemplation. Contemplation is simply “one's private experience of God through healthy habits of private devotion---silent prayer.
Members of these vital congregations spend at least 30 uninterrupted minutes each week in silent and personal prayer. For 30 minutes, they get away from the noise of the world. They find a way to connect with God on a personal level. It is one component to a balanced life.
My challenge for you during this season of Lent is to spend at least 30 minutes a week of uninterrupted private time in contemplation. You can engage in centering prayer on Tuesday or Thursday morning, or you can find your own time and place. Perhaps you can sit in a chair and listen to the birds, listen to the grass grow, feel the sunshine, watch the flicker of a candle, or listen for the shining stars. Find a quiet place, a silent place, be open to prayer.
