Torch, Spring/Summer 2011

Spring–Summer 2011 | TORCH 23 experience, we recognize this may not be a practical option for many people. We can still recapture elements of that experience right in our homes, with coffee on the porch swing or the peaceful view from the patio. You may be able to identify a quiet place in or near your home — a local park or a favorite coffee shop — where you can be alone with your thoughts, meditating on God’s Word. At the Abbey, we learned the ancient discipline of lectio divina . This deliberate approach to Scripture reading involves interacting with the text on four levels: • Reading (lectio): What does the text say? • Meditation (meditatio): What does the text say to me? • Prayer (oratio): What does God say to me through the text, and what is my response to Him? • Living (actio): How will the text change the way I live? We have found this practice causes us to slow down when we read Scripture. More than eyes moving across the page taking in words, we take the time to consider what these words mean today in our lives, and we listen for how God would have us live out the truth of His Word. Along with meditating on Scripture, speaking God’s Word is essential for the monks at the Abbey. Every two weeks, they recite the entire book of Psalms. If we developed a fraction of their discipline, imagine the impact we could have for Christ with His Word in our hearts and on our lips. Since the retreat, we have continued keeping journals. Intentional journaling reveals and clarifies thoughts and emotions that are sometimes too difficult to verbalize. Capturing our thoughts in the moment allows us to go back over time and see where God has taken us on our spiritual journeys. Our time spent with the Savior should be reflected in our lives. Michael Phillips wrote in his book Make Me Like Jesus , “The prayer of Christlikeness truly represents the ultimate road less traveled. It is a pilgrimage that, if undertaken seriously and reaffirmed daily, will change everything.” Silence Is Strength Coming to stillness is like capturing pond water in a jar. Once the noise settles, you will find clarity you never knew was there. Isaiah 30:15 says, “in quietness and confidence is your strength.” Satan would love for us to keep shaking the jar to drown out the voice of the One who loves us. We had entered into the silent retreat unaware, even naïve to its benefits. We both had Christian upbringings and strong relationships with God, but this experience transformed us on a deeper level. As we walked through the monastery door back into our lives, our nervous laughter was replaced with gratitude and inner strength. The lasting effects of the retreat have amplified as we have continued walking through life’s trials, and our souls continually crave times of silence with our Heavenly Father. Make silence part of your daily rhythm of conversation with God, and you will grow in faith with “God Alone.” Kim Ahlgrim serves as associate dean for the academic enrichment center at Cedarville University. She received her B.A. in education from National Louis University and her M.S. in counseling and guidance from Wright State University. She has been at Cedarville since 1989. Debby Stephens is a speaker and aspiring life coach. She has developed lifejourneys.org, a site where visitors may post stories about how God has worked in their lives to encourage others. She received her B.A. in psychology from Cedarville University and has served on the board of trustees since 2001.