900 miles without radio or CD – the entire trip from Florida to Indiana. There were times of conversation – talking about the trip and the time away. There were times of absolute silence or deep breathing as one slept. We commented once near the end of the trip on the fact that we had not listened to the radio at all. It really was refreshing.
- There was no outside input into our lives – it was just us.
- The times of silence gave each of us time for reflection and opportunity to get lost in our own thoughts – sometimes thinking about the week of rest and other times about the work awaiting when we got home and sometimes just remembering younger days when children were still at home.
- Some thoughts were shared and others enjoyed privately.
- There was no news – no talk show opinions – no music to stimulate or manipulate our emotions.
- It was just the two of us – happy to be together – to have shared the time away.
This morning I was having my quiet time with God. I usually read a passage of Scripture and then journal my prayers. Today I really didn’t feel like praying or writing in a journal. I felt more like just sitting – reflecting – I felt like simply being quiet. I was reminded that relationships are not always about conversation – that praying is not always about talking but is also about listening. Sometimes the best prayer times use the fewest words.
June 6, 2009 at 5:51 am
Glad you feel refreshed! I had a similar though different experience this week. Took a three day guided spiritual retreat. Was alone without internet, tv, radio, etc. for three days.
It was more than just rest. The spiritual director had me learning to pray using my right brain instead of just the left. It was three days of mostly silence, and I’m back feeling rested and refreshed.
Maybe this is how we’re to pray without ceasing …
June 6, 2009 at 9:00 pm
We are such “doers” that our prayers become tasks with prayer lists to be checked off when answered. At times we are the task master giving God the list of things to accomplish. When I look at the prayer-life of Jesus I think it was more about simply spending time with His father being refreshed from the demands of ministry. I think we need more of those times. Perhaps ministry would not feel so demanding.