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The freedom of solitude
A man can be himself only so long as he is alone; if he does not love solitude, he will not love freedom; for it is only when he is alone that he is really free. – Arthur Schopenhauer
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The beauty of solitude
We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and private: and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship. -C.S. Lewis, Weight of Glory
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The place of silence
I am headed out on Monday to three days of silence. It is a rhythm I work to put into my life every year now. Henri Nouwen helps explain why: “Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure.” ― Henri J.M. Nouwen
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Some Thoughts on Silence and Solitude
As we prepare for a silent retreat this weekend, I like to think of the words of others who have gone before: Somewhere we know that without a lonely place our lives are in danger. Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure. Somewhere we…
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The Place of Glory
3 Who among you is left who sawthis house in its former glory?How does it look to you now? Doesn’t it appear as nothing to you? 9 This house will be more gloriousthan its predecessor,says the LORD of heavenly forces. I will provide prosperity in this place, says the LORD of heavenly forces.(Haggai 2:3,9, CEB) In this passage the story…
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The Gift of Silence
The discipline of silence and solitude is God’s gift to us. It is not our time to come in with our agendas. It is his time to allow us to gear down. To put it bluntly for pastors, it is a time that is needed. We talk too much. There are times we need the Spirit to say to us,…
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Running Silent
The last two days before my sabbatical are full of activity. I wish I had something more profound to say, but as I head into a week of silence, I’ve got nothing! In that silence will also be a self-imposed “blog” silence for the entire month. Thank you for your prayers. So many have expressed your thoughtfulness to me and…
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Prayer Retreat
For those in my church, or those in the Cities and interested, we are doing something different with our prayer retreat this year. It will be February 12-13 at the Benedictine Center in St. Paul. The focus will be on silence and meditation. Rooms are for individuals and space is limited. The cost will include the room plus meals. If…
Tag: Silence
