I just returned from a three mile run in preparation for a 12-mile hike and mini-spiritual pilgrimage. Actually, I’m not sure if what I am planning to do in two weeks rises to the level of an actual pilgrimage, it is more of a “get-me-the-heck-out-of-dc-and-away-from-people-to-be-alone-with-God-in-silence-and-solitude” weekend.
Since beginning Tony Jones’ new book, The Sacred Way, yesterday and having a conversation with a congressional staffer about spiritual pilgrimages, I recently made two decisions: 1) I am going to go on a 12-mile weekend excursion into the rugged Virginia mountains to the above cabin for solitude, silence, prayer, meditation, and contemplation; and 2) I am going to lead a group of seven guy Capitol Hill staffers on a similar mini-pilgrimage.
Why this sudden urge? For those of you who live in cities, 4 things probably mark your life like those of us here in DC: busy, busy, busy schedules; information and stimulus overload; dry, hurried “quiet times” or periods with God; and a lack of engagement in true spiritual discipline, always the result of “not enough time.” Except, on Capitol Hill it is an intensely spiritual thing and the pace is hyper-spaced by 17! Consequently, staffers rarely if ever have an opportunity to escape to be with God in meaningful silence and conversation. Shoot, it’s difficult for me to have this opportunity and I get paid to be with God and have this sort of time!
So after spending some time learning more about such ancient practices as sacred reading, contemplation, spiritual pilgrimages, silence and solitude, and others, I’ve come to the conclusion that I and other Hill workers need a weekend of this. In fact, my soul leapt at the prospect, so I think it is desperately needed. Depending on how well I and others receive the weekend, partaking in mini-pilgrimages (and perhaps extended ones, as well) might become a staple of my life and ministry.
For those of you interested in my life and my ministry on Capitol Hill, please pray that everything will work out for me to get away with my Creator in His creation for a few precious days, because I desperately need it. Also, please pray for a weekend to provide an opportunity for a handful of congressional staffers to get away to practice some ancient spiritual practices and journey with their God for a weekend, for the specific purpose of life impact.
be His, in silence for an afternoon…
jeremy
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