Last week I spend a few days of Spiritual Renewal time at the Weston Priory. It was my first experience at the Priory and I didn't really know what to expect. Now I can honestly say that it was so much more (more uplifting, more renewing, more inspiring) than I ever could have expected.

The "uplift" came from being welcomed into community with the monks. As a guest, I was invited to take my meals in the dining room with the monks. While the meals were silent the fellowship before and after the meals was genuine. Before each meal one of the monks would join the guests in the parlor for conversation. Following the meals we were invited to help them clean up the kitchen. Amongst the dish washing and drying there was much laughter. I was touched by the hospitality of the monks as they continue to welcome strangers into their home day after day, week after week as the guests come and go.

The renewal came for me in the times of extended silence. Between meals and prayer I had significant blocks of time on my own for my own personal reading and reflection. I did some reading and some writing. I also walked the grounds and visited the animals that the monks raise ~ chickens, rabbits, sheep, pigs and a llama. Much of the time, though, I spent in silence and in conversation with God. Having unstructured, uncluttered time allowed me to connect with God in a deeper way than my usual devotional practice allows. Because of this I feel better prepared to be a spiritual leader during the important upcoming seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany.

The inspiration came from the prayer times with the monks in their chapel. Much of their prayer time is in song or chant. Wow! The stated aim of their music is to blend their voices into one. I surely felt the presence of God as I listened to and participated in these times of prayer which took place at 6am, 2pm, 5:30pm and 8pm. The rhythm of the day of meals and prayer and silence gave structure and discipline to my retreat time.

Thank you to you ~ my wonderful congregation ~ for encouraging me and allowing me this time of renewal. I hope and pray that I am a better pastor because of it.