Passing from the Incarnational/Sacramental Tradition, we move into the Prayer-Filled/Contemplative Tradition. From the sound of it, one might think that we've moved out of one into an entirely other sort of way of living, but what we've been challenged to consider is that ALL of life can be prayer. Prayer is life for the Christian, and therefore, all creation is magical and the repetition can be hallowed, for even God loves it (Chesterton); all creation is a means of communion with God (Schmemann); and even the most mundane tasks such as dishwashing and doing the laundry can be a moment where we can enter into prayer (Norris).
We've discussed the rhythm of life as a back and forth between orare et laborare, or "prayer and work", and that there is both an active and passive element to prayer and life with God.
In the reading before us, Henri Nouwen invites us into SOLITUDE, which he argues is fundamental to cultivate if we are to hear from God, and even hear enough of our own heart to present to God.
After reading and annotating Bringing Solitude into Our Lives, respond to the following questions on your blog (B) and your journal (J):
We've discussed the rhythm of life as a back and forth between orare et laborare, or "prayer and work", and that there is both an active and passive element to prayer and life with God.
In the reading before us, Henri Nouwen invites us into SOLITUDE, which he argues is fundamental to cultivate if we are to hear from God, and even hear enough of our own heart to present to God.
After reading and annotating Bringing Solitude into Our Lives, respond to the following questions on your blog (B) and your journal (J):
- (B) What is solitude, according to Nouwen?
- (B) Nouwen believes that the spiritual life without discipline is impossible, and that we must discipline ourselves to cultivate solitude. Why does he believe this? What concrete ways does he suggest that we discipline ourselves to cultivate solitude?
- (B) How does Nouwen define the "absurd" and the "obedient" life? Do you find these two poles helpful?
- (J): What, generally, does this reading conjure up for you? Specifically, Nouwen describes the "inner chaos" and the experience of being "bombarded by a thousand thoughts." Do you resonate with his description of these experiences? If so, what in particular?