It is often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Children preparing for a hard day at school, and busy parents going to work or looking after the family, need to begin the day with the right ‘fuel’ to keep them going. Some people surprisingly skip breakfast, but not me – it’s my favourite meal!
In the Christian life it’s also important to begin the day well, and for many believers that means time alone with God. Of course we can connect with God at any time, but it seems sensible to me to meet with God before rushing off into the day’s activities. This appears to have been the pattern for Jesus (Mark 1:35), and comes highly recommended by the Psalmist (5:3, 59:16, 88:13 and so on).
As a young Christian I was brought up to have a regular ‘Quiet Time’, and it remains for me a helpful spiritual practice. But how can we ensure that it doesn’t become a dull routine, something we do because we ‘must’? Here are four important keys:
(1) Rhythm - life works best when there is a regular pattern, and making time each morning to meet with God is a good habit to adopt. It doesn’t matter if you miss occasionally, but generally try and keep to the pattern. A rhythm makes it easier.
(2) Variety - it is the spice of life, and varying what we do in our time apart can keep it fresh and alive. Review your Quiet Time often. Be creative and imaginative.
(3) Place – create a special place where you can meet with God. A quiet corner of the house, a comfy armchair, a room with a view… make it ‘sacred’, perhaps with a small table for books, your coffee cup, a small cross or icon and so on. For some it may be outdoors - a special walk you take with the dog, a church you drop into on your way to work, a bench in the park.
(4) Purpose - keep in mind why you are doing this: to meet with God in a life-giving way. Aim to enjoy his company, express your dependency upon him as you begin your day, seek his will for your life. Don’t let any particular activity become dominant; you are there to meet with God.
With these four provisos in our minds, what then will occupy us during our Quiet Time? The most commonly found ingredients are Scripture, prayer and worship.
Scripture
The word of God is at the heart of the devotional life, providing sustenance for our souls. Jesus said: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4). We need to develop effective ways to absorb the truths of Scripture.
Some follow a reading programme or lectionary, leading them through the whole Bible in a year or two in daily portions. Others enjoy developing plans of their own – reading steadily through different books of the Bible, following themes or topics, looking at Bible characters. A good number have Bible reading notes to guide them, or commentaries to provide understanding.
Sometimes I enjoy reading the Bible imaginatively, in the way of Ignatius, where we are encouraged to place ourselves into the Bible story and see it through the eyes of those involved. Another approach I enjoy is called contemplative Bible reading (Lectio Divina), where we read a short passage slowly and allow a word of phrase to speak to us, receiving it as God’s word to us for that moment and meditating on it.
The important thing is to try new ways of interacting with Scripture and not to become stale. Many resources are available on the internet, and for downloading as well. See for example: Quiet Time Ministries (www.qtmin.com), Crossmap Daily Quiet Time (www.dailyqt.crossmap.com) and BRF’s own Bible reading notes available for iphone (www.brfonline.org).
Prayer
If Scripture provides food for the soul, then prayer supplies us with oxygen. It is the way by which we commune with God, our core purpose when establishing a Quiet Time. Whatever else we do, we should reach out to God with longing and desire, speaking freely and honestly to the Lover of our souls.
Some are happy speaking to God in their own words (aloud or silent), whilst others enjoy the objectivity of Spirit-inspired and Christ-centred liturgy, joining the stream of prayer down the centuries. Most enjoy a mixture. I often base my prayers on The Lord’s Prayer, using each phrase in turn as a ‘coat hanger’ on which to hang other prayers. Occasionally I have done the same with Psalm 23, and the ‘armour passage’ in Ephesians 6:10-18. A framework like this stops my mind from wandering.
I love using the great prayers of the Bible too, and making them my own. Currently I am finding satisfaction in crafting my own prayers – taking the passage from my daily reading and turning my thoughts into a prayer, which I write down.
Some days we may have no words at all, which is fine; enjoy the silence, being still and knowing that he is God – a true quiet time!
Worship
Worship connects us to the Holy Spirit and is the way we drink the living water to satisfy our thirsty souls. By taking time to give thanks to God for his goodness, we cultivate a grateful heart; by dwelling on his greatness and glory we allow faith to grow within us. Worship enables us to express our love for God, and as we give to him our praise and adoration, his grace and strength comes streaming back to us, preparing us for all that lies ahead.
We have a family friend, over a hundred now, whose constant companion throughout her life has been the Methodist hymnbook, a source of great blessing and encouragement to her. The words of hymns and songs have a wonderful capacity to lift our spirits, to reach us when our souls are dry and barren.
We can listen meditatively to music as we sit, walk or drive - even as we do our chores – and our spirits can be in communion with God; or we can open our lungs in full-blown praise! Allow the glory of creation to inspire you as get out and about. Use your senses to encounter the living God in the world around you; be inspired by works of art, objects of beauty, the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Remember there is no right or wrong way to have a Quiet Time, and it should never be regarded as a burden or impossible demand. Hold it lightly, and yet think of it as the main spiritual meal of your day. And then, fortified and nourished by the grace of God, go out and live for Jesus in our needy world!
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Running to Win
We were doing a Lectio Divina on the story of the Transfiguration in Mark 9 when v2 stood out for me: 'After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, and they were alone.' Now I know that Jesus didn't have favourites,and that he loved his disciples equally, but there does seem to have been an element of selection here. I wondereed why he had chosen these three in particular to share a very precious moment with him, and not the others.
On pondering this question I came to the conclusion that he chose them because they were the most responsive of the twelve, and perhaps the most ready for what would be revealed to them on the mountain. And whilst we may be equally loved as children of God, our rate of progress in the Christian life is a variable, and we do not all move forward at a uniform pace. It depends on how we are responding to the knowledge and experience we already have.
My thoughts quickly turned to Paul's words in Philippians 3:12-13 : 'Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead,I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.
Paul realised that he had a part to play in his own spiritual progress. He had to keep pressing on as if he were running a race, with the same determination and commitment as an athlete.
This thought took me onwards to 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 : 'Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last for ever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Here the apostle suggests it is not just taking part that matters, but winning the prize. We are not competing against fellow believers, but we are competing against ourselves, and the tendency is to settle for bronze rather than gold because that demands less of us. Coming as these thoughts did during the Euorpean athletic championships in Barcelona helped me see the qualities a winning athlete needs, and the counterpart in the Christian life.
Desire is paramount. Do I truly want to win? Do I really want to know Christ, and to be effective in his service?
Discipline is vital. Can I give myself to strict training? Can I let go of lesser things, and make sacrifices in order to go deeper with God?
Determination is essential. Can I finish the race? Can I keep going to the end or will I give up at the first sign of difficulty, hardship, diappointment or setback?
I was particularly challenged by the British distance runner Mo Farah who won two gold medals. Before the event he had gone to Kenya for 3 months intensive training, living in simple surroundings in the hills with Kenyan runners who were actually far better than himself. He wanted to make progress and was willing to pay the price. His sacrifice paid huge dividends in his medal winning performance.
I don't know about you, but I want to be the best I can be for God, and with his help I want to press on for the greatest prize of all - that of knowing Christ Jesus, and being found in him.
On pondering this question I came to the conclusion that he chose them because they were the most responsive of the twelve, and perhaps the most ready for what would be revealed to them on the mountain. And whilst we may be equally loved as children of God, our rate of progress in the Christian life is a variable, and we do not all move forward at a uniform pace. It depends on how we are responding to the knowledge and experience we already have.
My thoughts quickly turned to Paul's words in Philippians 3:12-13 : 'Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead,I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.
Paul realised that he had a part to play in his own spiritual progress. He had to keep pressing on as if he were running a race, with the same determination and commitment as an athlete.
This thought took me onwards to 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 : 'Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last for ever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Here the apostle suggests it is not just taking part that matters, but winning the prize. We are not competing against fellow believers, but we are competing against ourselves, and the tendency is to settle for bronze rather than gold because that demands less of us. Coming as these thoughts did during the Euorpean athletic championships in Barcelona helped me see the qualities a winning athlete needs, and the counterpart in the Christian life.
Desire is paramount. Do I truly want to win? Do I really want to know Christ, and to be effective in his service?
Discipline is vital. Can I give myself to strict training? Can I let go of lesser things, and make sacrifices in order to go deeper with God?
Determination is essential. Can I finish the race? Can I keep going to the end or will I give up at the first sign of difficulty, hardship, diappointment or setback?
I was particularly challenged by the British distance runner Mo Farah who won two gold medals. Before the event he had gone to Kenya for 3 months intensive training, living in simple surroundings in the hills with Kenyan runners who were actually far better than himself. He wanted to make progress and was willing to pay the price. His sacrifice paid huge dividends in his medal winning performance.
I don't know about you, but I want to be the best I can be for God, and with his help I want to press on for the greatest prize of all - that of knowing Christ Jesus, and being found in him.
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Oh, how I love your law!
I first came into contact with the Bible soon after I was converted as a teenager. I found some Scripture Union notes that belonged to my sister, and started to read them. It was the beginning of a love affair with the Bible that is still going strong nearly fifty years later. I've used many Bibles during that time, and still have most of them. I remember each one fondly, in the same way that I can treasure memories of each car we've owned.
In recent days I've realised two things: (1) how much I really do enjoy the scriptures, and (2) how I long for other believers to have that same delight in God's Word. The scriptures have been a part of my life since before England won the World Cup (a long, long time ago!), and I've never tired of reading the stories and reflecting on the message. I love nothing more than to have the opportunity to teach them to others, to 'open up the Word' as we used to say, in the presence of those who are hungry for God. What a privilege that is! But I often forget that I've been studying the Bible for many years, at some depth, and that others have not had that opportunity. So I'm finding a desire growing within me to try and communicate to those younger than myself (most of the population!)something of the blessing that can come to us through God's Word.
Next year is the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible, the much loved "AV". I've never been a big fan myself, having been reared on the RSV and now attached to the NIV, but this landmark gives us the opportunity to remind a younger generation of the rich spiritual legacy that we have in the Bible, which we must not lose. There is a new initiative in Britain being launched to mark the occasion, called Biblefresh. You can find out more at www.biblefresh.com. I want to do my part by holding some Quiet Days on the place of the Bible in the Christian life, and maybe offering a seminar on how to get the most from the Scriptures.
In connection with this I've just started reading 'Eat this Book' by Eugene Peterson, subtitled 'The art of spiritual reading.' He makes the point that the Scriptures are the primary source of spiritual formation, and says this: 'Christians feed on Scripture. Holy Scripture nurtures the holy community as food nurtures the human body. Christians don't simply learn to study or use Scripture; we assimilate it, take it into our lives in such a way that it gets metabolized into acts of love, cups of cold water, missions into all the world, healing and evangelism and justice in Jesus' name, hands raised in adoration to the Father, feet washed in company with the Son."
That's want I seek for myself, and for you as well. What place does the Bible have in your life? How does it shape your spirituality and affect your life? Do you still love God's Word?
In recent days I've realised two things: (1) how much I really do enjoy the scriptures, and (2) how I long for other believers to have that same delight in God's Word. The scriptures have been a part of my life since before England won the World Cup (a long, long time ago!), and I've never tired of reading the stories and reflecting on the message. I love nothing more than to have the opportunity to teach them to others, to 'open up the Word' as we used to say, in the presence of those who are hungry for God. What a privilege that is! But I often forget that I've been studying the Bible for many years, at some depth, and that others have not had that opportunity. So I'm finding a desire growing within me to try and communicate to those younger than myself (most of the population!)something of the blessing that can come to us through God's Word.
Next year is the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible, the much loved "AV". I've never been a big fan myself, having been reared on the RSV and now attached to the NIV, but this landmark gives us the opportunity to remind a younger generation of the rich spiritual legacy that we have in the Bible, which we must not lose. There is a new initiative in Britain being launched to mark the occasion, called Biblefresh. You can find out more at www.biblefresh.com. I want to do my part by holding some Quiet Days on the place of the Bible in the Christian life, and maybe offering a seminar on how to get the most from the Scriptures.
In connection with this I've just started reading 'Eat this Book' by Eugene Peterson, subtitled 'The art of spiritual reading.' He makes the point that the Scriptures are the primary source of spiritual formation, and says this: 'Christians feed on Scripture. Holy Scripture nurtures the holy community as food nurtures the human body. Christians don't simply learn to study or use Scripture; we assimilate it, take it into our lives in such a way that it gets metabolized into acts of love, cups of cold water, missions into all the world, healing and evangelism and justice in Jesus' name, hands raised in adoration to the Father, feet washed in company with the Son."
That's want I seek for myself, and for you as well. What place does the Bible have in your life? How does it shape your spirituality and affect your life? Do you still love God's Word?
Monday, 5 July 2010
Step off the pages, Lord
We've been studying Mark's gospel in our church for the past few weeks. It seems to me that Mark in particular emphasises the power of God that was at work in Jesus. He's writing, of course, from Rome the centre of political and military power at the time, and maybe his thought is to demonstrate that Jesus is 'another king' (Acts 17:7)whose power is far superior to that of any earthly emperor. Certainly his gospel story is full of healings, deliverances and miraculous events that amaze the whole population.
I've really enjoyed our studies, and preaching occasionally myself, but I've done so with a growing sense of frustration that we see so little of that power at work in our lives today. It's true we do see glimpses, and enough to make us believe it is true; but never quite enough to make us say 'WOW!' and stand back in utter amazement. The little we do see actually increases my frustration because I know that God is capable of far more.
Perhaps my sciatica, which has hindered and annoyed me since Easter, illustrates this frustration. I know that God can heal me, and I have prayed continually for his intervention, and so have others. I want to be able to give testimony to his power at work in my life, but so far, nothing. It isn't as if I am asking for something truly great. No, just an ordinary miracle, which even my faith can strecth to, and is well within the level of expectation created in me by reading Mark's gospel.
So I'm conscious of a 'disconnection' between what I'm preaching (all Biblical and accurate), what we sing in our worship (all inspiring and true), and what we believe as a church (evangelical and charismatic). And some words keep rising up in my heart as a kind of prayer whenever I'm holding Mark's gospel in my hands - 'Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us.' I long for the word to be made flesh today, in me, in our little congregation, so that the world can see that Jesus is alive, that he hasn't changed, that he is still at work today.
Since I've been in a poetic frame of mind for the last few weeks I've turned those words into a prayer poem, and share them with you now. And when God does heal my leg (come on, God!), I'll be sure to let you. And maybe write another prayer.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
Be not confined a moment more
In history’s remembered past
Nor even in the sacred folds
Of Holy Writ, however blessed.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
Be not restrained a moment more
Within our doctrine safe and sound
Nor even in our cherished ways
Of churchmanship, however pure.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
Be not held back a moment more
Within our teaching clear and true
Nor even in our finest songs
Of worship free, however loud.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
As living Lord and risen Son
Who’s with us now and working still
To save, to heal, to liberate
And glorify your Name before
A hurting world that needs your touch.
I've really enjoyed our studies, and preaching occasionally myself, but I've done so with a growing sense of frustration that we see so little of that power at work in our lives today. It's true we do see glimpses, and enough to make us believe it is true; but never quite enough to make us say 'WOW!' and stand back in utter amazement. The little we do see actually increases my frustration because I know that God is capable of far more.
Perhaps my sciatica, which has hindered and annoyed me since Easter, illustrates this frustration. I know that God can heal me, and I have prayed continually for his intervention, and so have others. I want to be able to give testimony to his power at work in my life, but so far, nothing. It isn't as if I am asking for something truly great. No, just an ordinary miracle, which even my faith can strecth to, and is well within the level of expectation created in me by reading Mark's gospel.
So I'm conscious of a 'disconnection' between what I'm preaching (all Biblical and accurate), what we sing in our worship (all inspiring and true), and what we believe as a church (evangelical and charismatic). And some words keep rising up in my heart as a kind of prayer whenever I'm holding Mark's gospel in my hands - 'Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us.' I long for the word to be made flesh today, in me, in our little congregation, so that the world can see that Jesus is alive, that he hasn't changed, that he is still at work today.
Since I've been in a poetic frame of mind for the last few weeks I've turned those words into a prayer poem, and share them with you now. And when God does heal my leg (come on, God!), I'll be sure to let you. And maybe write another prayer.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
Be not confined a moment more
In history’s remembered past
Nor even in the sacred folds
Of Holy Writ, however blessed.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
Be not restrained a moment more
Within our doctrine safe and sound
Nor even in our cherished ways
Of churchmanship, however pure.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
Be not held back a moment more
Within our teaching clear and true
Nor even in our finest songs
Of worship free, however loud.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
As living Lord and risen Son
Who’s with us now and working still
To save, to heal, to liberate
And glorify your Name before
A hurting world that needs your touch.
Monday, 7 June 2010
Stilling my restless heart
Stilling my restless heart
Quieting my noisy mind
Slowing my frantic pace
I come
Alone
To meet with you.
Thirsting for your presence
Hungry for your love
A gifted longing for intimacy wells up;
Yearning to know you more
Desperate to hear you speak
As you call me, draw me and coax me to yourself.
Breathing slowly with unhurried calm
Gently I become aware
That I am loved
And leaning hard upon your breast
Rest for a moment
Allowing you to take the strain
Daring to believe that even I belong.
And now my soul content
Realisation dawns;
You are here
Surrounding, embracing, supporting, enfolding.
I am held, I can relax
Safe, secure, wanted, loved;
No fear, no guilt, no shame
No burden or unwelcome load
No pointing finger or condemning voice
Only warmth and joy
Acceptance, welcome, healing grace.
Transfixed
With time suspended
Union and communion
At one with you
Paused in this present blessedness.
And now the presence lifts
And I return refreshed,
Renewed, restored
To serve again with inner joy
From inward depths of love received
A river flowing full and free.
Quieting my noisy mind
Slowing my frantic pace
I come
Alone
To meet with you.
Thirsting for your presence
Hungry for your love
A gifted longing for intimacy wells up;
Yearning to know you more
Desperate to hear you speak
As you call me, draw me and coax me to yourself.
Breathing slowly with unhurried calm
Gently I become aware
That I am loved
And leaning hard upon your breast
Rest for a moment
Allowing you to take the strain
Daring to believe that even I belong.
And now my soul content
Realisation dawns;
You are here
Surrounding, embracing, supporting, enfolding.
I am held, I can relax
Safe, secure, wanted, loved;
No fear, no guilt, no shame
No burden or unwelcome load
No pointing finger or condemning voice
Only warmth and joy
Acceptance, welcome, healing grace.
Transfixed
With time suspended
Union and communion
At one with you
Paused in this present blessedness.
And now the presence lifts
And I return refreshed,
Renewed, restored
To serve again with inner joy
From inward depths of love received
A river flowing full and free.
Friday, 7 May 2010
Walking with a limp
I've had sciatica now for 34 days. In case you don't know, sciatica is a painful condition down the length of one leg caused by a trap sciatic nerve. It's not life-threatening, but it is definitely not life-enhancing either as it is uncomfortable and inconvenient. It is most painful when walking, and especially so when going down stairs, so I'm glad we live in a bungalow! But it has caused me to walk with a limp, and to identify with that wily Old Testament character Jacob in a new and deeper way.
I've always made a great deal about the fact that after his encounter with God at Peniel Jacob walked with a limp (Genesis 32:31-32, and see my post of 1st February). I've never read any commentary suggesting Jacob had sciatica, but I think he might have had! Anyway, there are some clear spiritual lessons to be drawn from the experience of walking with a limp.
First of all, it slows you down. Jacob had to ask his brother Esau to go ahead of him, and I find myself doing the same with my wife. We are so used to living a hectic life, and slowing down is never easy... until you walk with a limp, and then rushing is impossible. Which is no bad thing in the spiritual life, because it helps us to eliminate hurry from our lives and to live more contemplatively.
Secondly, it makes you humble, especially if you are a man. It weakens you, and undermines your physical capabilities. It takes away from your natural strength, and it is rather embarrassing to find yourself disabled, even for a short time. Pride is present in us all, especially men, and God opposes it. He reserves his grace for those who are humble.
Thirdly, it makes you dependent. Jacob is to be seen leaning on his staff and worshipping God (Hebrews 11:21), actions expressing his physical and spiritual dependency. I have so far declined my wife's kind offer to buy me a walking stick, but it is the proud, independent self that God has to weaken in us. We were made to live in creaturely dependence upon him, and this is the heart of the spiritual life.
Fourthly, it makes you vulnerable, not only because of the pain, but because we are incapacitated. I realised myself that if I had to run across the road to avoid the traffic, I probably wouldn't make it; or if I were confronted by muggers, I would not be able to flee. Sobering thoughts. Vulnerability is however a deeply spiritual quality. It is good to feel pain, albeit in a small way, so we can identify with others in real pain; to know limitations and weakness, so we can share with those who feel powerless. Most of all, to be vulnerable before God and admit our great need of him.
I have of course prayed daily for my healing, and so have others. People say it can take six weeks to recover. I don't know why I am not healed yet, but at least I have been able to understand Jacob a bit more deeply!
I've always made a great deal about the fact that after his encounter with God at Peniel Jacob walked with a limp (Genesis 32:31-32, and see my post of 1st February). I've never read any commentary suggesting Jacob had sciatica, but I think he might have had! Anyway, there are some clear spiritual lessons to be drawn from the experience of walking with a limp.
First of all, it slows you down. Jacob had to ask his brother Esau to go ahead of him, and I find myself doing the same with my wife. We are so used to living a hectic life, and slowing down is never easy... until you walk with a limp, and then rushing is impossible. Which is no bad thing in the spiritual life, because it helps us to eliminate hurry from our lives and to live more contemplatively.
Secondly, it makes you humble, especially if you are a man. It weakens you, and undermines your physical capabilities. It takes away from your natural strength, and it is rather embarrassing to find yourself disabled, even for a short time. Pride is present in us all, especially men, and God opposes it. He reserves his grace for those who are humble.
Thirdly, it makes you dependent. Jacob is to be seen leaning on his staff and worshipping God (Hebrews 11:21), actions expressing his physical and spiritual dependency. I have so far declined my wife's kind offer to buy me a walking stick, but it is the proud, independent self that God has to weaken in us. We were made to live in creaturely dependence upon him, and this is the heart of the spiritual life.
Fourthly, it makes you vulnerable, not only because of the pain, but because we are incapacitated. I realised myself that if I had to run across the road to avoid the traffic, I probably wouldn't make it; or if I were confronted by muggers, I would not be able to flee. Sobering thoughts. Vulnerability is however a deeply spiritual quality. It is good to feel pain, albeit in a small way, so we can identify with others in real pain; to know limitations and weakness, so we can share with those who feel powerless. Most of all, to be vulnerable before God and admit our great need of him.
I have of course prayed daily for my healing, and so have others. People say it can take six weeks to recover. I don't know why I am not healed yet, but at least I have been able to understand Jacob a bit more deeply!
Saturday, 1 May 2010
The search for tranquility
I read an interesting article in The Yorkshire Post this week, entitled 'Peace in our time'. It begin by recalling the pleasure people experienced as they enjoyed the unfamiliar sound of silence when air traffic was banned for six days due to the cloud of volcanic ash over the UK. Birds were heard to sing at Heathrow, and for a few days the volume of modern life was turned down.
The article went on to talk about the tranquility mapping project being undertaken by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England. Their spokesperson, Graeme Willis, says that tranquility is important for everyone, but increasing noise from traffic, aeroplanes, and rapid urban growth mean that it is harder to find silence these days.
Using a research method that identifies 44 factors considered the basic recipe for tranquility, Graeme and his team have mapped out the quietest (and the noisiest) places in England. They also want to campaign for a National Quiet Day to remind us all - at least for one day - what we are losing as we dash from place to place.
The quietest place in England? Northumberland (a score of +28.6), a place I love to visit for a break at least once a year. And the noisiest? Slough, just outside London and near to Heathrow (score -79.5). The part of the country where I live (South Yorkshire) came in at 49th with a score of -19.2. Am I surprsied? Not at all. We live with the background noise of traffic all the time, and today, the yapping of the dog next door!
The Bible has long taught us the value of stillnness and silence, both for the sake our health and well-being, and also for our relationship with God. We are fortunate in Britain to have many beautiful retreat houses, often in quiet country areas, so it possible for us to find those 'hot spots' of tranquility and to nourish our souls with quiet prayer.
Wherever you live, be aware of the drain upon your soul made by constant noise, crowded places, and a hectic pace of life. Try and find a quiet corner somewhere, and allow the silence to bring you to that place of tranquility. It will refresh your mind, nourish your spirit and heal your body.
'Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in the lonely places.' (Mark 1:45)
The article went on to talk about the tranquility mapping project being undertaken by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England. Their spokesperson, Graeme Willis, says that tranquility is important for everyone, but increasing noise from traffic, aeroplanes, and rapid urban growth mean that it is harder to find silence these days.
Using a research method that identifies 44 factors considered the basic recipe for tranquility, Graeme and his team have mapped out the quietest (and the noisiest) places in England. They also want to campaign for a National Quiet Day to remind us all - at least for one day - what we are losing as we dash from place to place.
The quietest place in England? Northumberland (a score of +28.6), a place I love to visit for a break at least once a year. And the noisiest? Slough, just outside London and near to Heathrow (score -79.5). The part of the country where I live (South Yorkshire) came in at 49th with a score of -19.2. Am I surprsied? Not at all. We live with the background noise of traffic all the time, and today, the yapping of the dog next door!
The Bible has long taught us the value of stillnness and silence, both for the sake our health and well-being, and also for our relationship with God. We are fortunate in Britain to have many beautiful retreat houses, often in quiet country areas, so it possible for us to find those 'hot spots' of tranquility and to nourish our souls with quiet prayer.
Wherever you live, be aware of the drain upon your soul made by constant noise, crowded places, and a hectic pace of life. Try and find a quiet corner somewhere, and allow the silence to bring you to that place of tranquility. It will refresh your mind, nourish your spirit and heal your body.
'Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in the lonely places.' (Mark 1:45)
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