It’s only an hour prepare experience from London however miles from my house in Seattle, Washington. The prepare station has solely two tracks—one coming and the opposite going. I elevate my giant journey backpack onto my again and stroll a mile down the street to a Victorian-era Benedictine monastery. This yr will mark my third time on the monastery. It has turn out to be a pilgrimage for me. I do know on this place I’ll meet God.
After all, I do know God is in all places, however right here on this monastery tucked within the Surrey countryside, it is a particular place and time to satisfy with him.
This yr as I step off the prepare, it’s pouring rain. I sidestep puddles and practically slip in mud, however I’m not deterred; I’m ridiculously comfortable strolling towards the monastery. The monks know I’m coming. I take a look at my watch and know they’re in noon prayers proper now. I do know they’re praying for me and my protected arrival. If I stroll quick sufficient, I’ll stroll into the church proper as prayers finish.
I sit up for this journey all yr. For a number of days, I’ll do nothing however pray with the monks, take lengthy walks, and sit in silence. I do know God will communicate in that silence. He all the time does. He’ll reveal himself within the Liturgy of the Hours I pray with the monks 5 instances a day. He’ll present himself in lengthy afternoon walks via pastures and woods. And God will make his presence referred to as I sit within the visitor home in silence.
One of many Benedictines’ missions is hospitality. Lots of their monasteries have room for company. St. Augustine’s has a visitor home that sleeps 4. My host monk will make certain I do know I’m welcome. The primary time I got here, he gave me a tour to make sure I knew the place all the pieces was in the home and on the grounds and knowledgeable me of the instances for prayer. The bells within the church ring 5 minutes earlier than every prayer to remind the monks (and company) to complete up their work and are available to prayers.
It’s a marvelous factor to stay by the bells. I sit up for praying every Liturgy of the Hours with the monks. It’s a nice consolation to know that these males have dedicated their lives to prayer. As I pray a number of instances a day, the prayers turn out to be a part of my internal cadence. I discover myself whispering the psalms of the liturgy as I stroll within the countryside or make tea within the kitchen. Jesus, the Phrase, involves life, because the Phrase strikes and breathes inside me.
One yr I got here with a query, whose reply I wished to listen to from God. However one yr I got here simply to sit down in his presence and luxuriate in his goodness. In every pilgrimage, I reaffirm and renew my relationship with God and go deeper into his love.
I’m glad I’m modeling this seek for relationship and transformation via pilgrimage for my teen sons. My oldest has requested to return with me subsequent yr. He desires to satisfy the Lord on this particular place too. I do know he’ll discover God there, ready, listening, and able to reveal himself.
