Psalms 37:7
Be
still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed
in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Bible Reading for a
Year
[bible]prove8[/bible]; [bible]0john18[/bible]; [bible]iking3-4[/bible]
Recently,
while vacationing in Ireland, I managed to visit an old monastery in a place called
Glendalough. According to legend, the monastery was originally founded by Saint
Kevin, a 6th century priest renowned for his wisdom and piety. Kevin’s fame as
Holy had begun to interfere with his Christian walk, so he withdrew to
Glendalough in order to pray and meditate in peace.
The
small monastery was built later by disciples who followed him, hoping the
secluded valley would allow them to pray to God without distraction. Tucked
away in a small valley, surrounded by mountains and a tiny lake, the silence in
Glendalough was almost palpable.
It
didn’t strike me until later how unfamiliar that silence was. After all, we
live in a world that is filled with distractions: iPads, iPods, TV, Internet,
movies... there are so many things demanding our time and attention, often at
the expense of our time with Christ. Saint Kevin knew the value of silence,
just like Christ.
Jesus
did it as well during His ministry time. Yet the news about him spread all the more, so
that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (read Luke 5:15-16). Jesus
went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On
reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into
temptation." (read Luke 22:39)
In the other time, after six
days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led
them up a high mountain by themselves. (read Matthew 17:1)
The world is filled with so
much noise, so much distraction, how often do we really get the chance to
listen to God? I don’t know about you, but this is something I struggle with on
a daily basis. Don’t allow the toys of this world to distract you from your
Heavenly Father. Instead, the next time you pray, turn off your cell phone and
find a place far away from your computer. Pray to God in the silence and listen
to his reply. (Ryan Duncan)
Don’t let the distraction of this world break your relationship with God.