The first time I walked into Chapel in the Pines (CITP), a few weeks ago, I was welcomed by the pastor who, you can tell the moment you meet him, is a gentle and unassuming soul. And when we toured the building and walked into the sanctuary for the first time, I remember catching my breath. I was touched not only by the natural beauty of the wood and glass sanctuary, but I felt so much more – I felt the Spirit of our Living God. God is present everywhere at all times, but CITP is one of this world's thin places.
This was my first time to meet with some of the congregants of CITP last night as well. What friendly
folks! And when we settled in our
seats and eventually moved into silence, I could say to myself and to God, “It
is good, Lord, to be here.” I could
sense that everyone was there to just BE with God, in order to get to know the Divine more intimately.
The perception that I took home with me – and is still with me today –
is that in this place one can experience God totally, through all our senses: I could see the deep green of the surrounding pines outside the picture
windows. They were an icon to sit with
all by themselves. I could hear the deep silence that helps me to
know the Silence better. I could taste the Bread of Life that was
lovingly offered – first by our Lord and then by Pastor Andrew to each of
us. I could breathe in the peace and smell the holy fragrance of God. And I tangibly could feel the
love of God – Father, Christ, and Holy Spirit – being offered to this stranger
in the handshakes and hugs of those present.
For anyone who would like to try contemplative prayer, I’m
certain that you too will be welcomed at Chapel in the Pines. They meet on the second and fourth Mondays each month, starting at 6:00 pm.
For those who would like to read about
contemplative prayer, I can personally recommend these books:
Thomas Merton’s New Seeds of
Contemplation
Cynthia Bourgeault’s The Wisdom Way of Knowing
Tilden Edward’s Living in
the Presence
Mary Margaret Funk’s Tools
Matter for Practicing the Spiritual Life
Thomas Keating’s Open Mind, Open Heart
Peace be with you today. 💙
