by Joyce Crement
As I have generally been someone who jumps into opportunities with both feet, my initial resistance to join Still Point was out of the ordinary. Ok, I can do an hour of prayer, and the time was not a factor as chapel has 10 opportunities during the week: chapels in the morning, at noon and evenings. I knew the leadership would be great with people like Al Gustafson providing the guidance. I also looked forward to spiritual readings and reflective discussion that I could learn from, be challenged by, and participate in. But truth be told, I was totally intimated by the notion of 20 minutes of still and silent prayer! I can hardly sit still for anything for 20 minutes, and my prayer life has always been on the move: in the car, making breakfast, on my morning walks. I was gratefully nudged, then strongly encouraged by two friends who convinced me to just try this different experience. I put my toe in the water a few years back, and have attended up to 3 chapels every week since. I guess I now have CCA (Contemplative Chapel Addiction).
The most striking benefit for me is being in a small group with other seekers. I am a newbie to this experience of contemplation/meditation, and in each chapel, I may be among people with a longer history or deeper experience in their prayer practices than I. There is no measuring stick here as we are all equal in humbly seeking this deeper Presence of the Almighy. Though remotely connected through a computer screen (with some participants 2000 miles away!), we are in prayer and reflection collectively and face to face.
And this is a safe place. My fellow participants’ vulnerability in sharing their personal reflections and insights from the readings allows me to be likewise vulnerable. No pressure. No judgement. The different perspectives on the readings from my fellow seekers are personal, thoughtful and enlightening.
Finally, I have accepted that I can do something that I am just not good at: this 20 minutes sitting in silence, searching for a deeper presence of God. I might be low on skill but I am strong on desire. While we are reminded through Psalm 46:10 that it is in the stillness we best find and know God, my overactive mind continues to make this still and silent prayer time a real challenge. THE BEST PART is the realization that if my restlessness prevents me from “feeling” God during these still and quiet 20 minutes, that God will continue to find and embrace me. And that is remarkably comforting. May I suggest that God is inviting you as well to put your toe in the water to be among other seekers in this experience. It is a safe God-space place.
Thank you Joyce! Maybe I can direct my enthusiasm and go get em energy(at times lol) a little more balanced toward my spiritual health. Thanks for the inspiration!