“Being Aware of God’s Presence”
My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD;
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
The bird also has found a house,
And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,
Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts,
My King and my God.
How blessed are those who dwell in Your house!
They are ever praising You. Selah.
How blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
Vince C. writes
“How lovely your dwelling…” How I love to repeat these verses again and again when I have my evening prayer.
These somehow inspired me to go on, move on as a monk who is engaged to be faithful to my vows to God.
Every day it’s a challenge to be always aware of God’s presence, his love, his mercy. But again and again, every time I’m moved with the grace of prayer, I always utter in mind and heart, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God, Lord of all…”
Please note that the views expressed in this story are not necessarily the views of the American Bible Society. Story posted on August 31st, 2007 and filed under Your Stories, Prayer.
September 13th, 2007 at 9:22 am
Dear Vince,
I hope things go really well for you as a monk. I think that christians who are steeped in the more ‘contemplative’ tradition have much to share with other christians. I know that in Europe myself and other people i know have had really positive experiences of monastic community hospitality…experiences that have a lasting and beneficial impact…with love and time to share…and most of all - the care of Jesus. As Brother Roger of Taize says…’when the church becomes maternal people will flock to her’ (paraphrase) - when the church has open arms and is a inviting place to go - she is more like the City on the Hill intended by Jesus? (I think so!) Perhaps part of your mission is to help prepare the church to be the place of rich hospitality she needs to be so that those who turn to the Lord will be helped to find love, warmth and acceptance in Him.
God bless you!