Monastic Week

Posted by Jourdan

Ahh, sweet silence.




Today is our very first in a series of four monastic days here at the intern house. Woo! We are going to practice a somewhat monastic lifestyle for the next four days to experience a new kind of outlook on life and the Lord. I think I speak for all of us when I say it falls under the category of 'scary-wonderful'.

We will be taking away meats, processed sugars and flours, unnecessary talking, music, and sometimes electric lights to just use candlelight. We will also have certain hours devoted to silence every night and a block of 24 hours of silence beginning on Wednesday night.

There is a quote found in Richard Foster's book, 'Celebration of Discipline' that says:

"There is an old proverb to the effect that 'all those who open their mouths, close their eyes!' The purpose of silence and solitude is to be able to see and hear. Control rather than no noise is the key to silence."

We think of this monastic week as being completely dedicated to the Lord. Our silence is just another way for us to connect with Him instead of focusing on our ourselves all day long, which in fact is a very common thread in most human being's lives. Sad, but true. The Lord desires our attention and our relationship with Him, so denying ourselves and what we want while focusing in on what He wants to say and do is honoring to Him.

That is the kind of sacrifice that matters. Psalm 50 talks a lot about what a real sacrifice is in the sight of the Lord. It's not all the physical possessions you have, but the heart that's behind it while giving thanks to the Lord.

"I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine...Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
- Psalm 50:9-15

We are all excited to experience this new life-perspective, and see what the Lord speaks through it all. I'll be sure to get back to you once our week is over to tell you all about how it went!

Peace and rest,
Jourdan M.

1st year intern