“And let us be wise, so that we do not wed another’s madness and then make them in debt to us for the deep gash their helpless, raging lance will cause.” This statement by Francis of Assisi is a motive that draws me to silence and solitude. When I am surrounded by noise and...
My grandparents had 40 acres they farmed when I was a kid. Some of my most favorite childhood memories are being out in the field trying to feed the cows by hand, or running full speed through the garden between the towering walls of corn rows, or climbing on the hay bales stacked in the barn. I...
I made my first retreat to the Abbey of Gethsemani in February 2001. I went knowing I would be at a Trappist monastery where silence was practiced. I knew the monks who lived there seemed to be full of peace. Otherwise I had no idea what to expect. I dropped my bags in my room and began...
We’ve been examined by others and evaluating results nearly our whole lives. Remember that spelling test in Kindergarten? Even before you can remember, doctors gave you close examinations to ensure you were growing and thriving. And ever since, you have taken exams throughout school and in...
Over the last fifty years, God has placed within me a passion and deep respect for the Bible. The influences and training I received early in my life led to a single exegetical style of study that included understanding the historical background, context, meaning of words, and what commands we...
In movie battle scenes, when one side retreats the other side often cheers in victory. But the real purpose of retreat as a military tactic is to provide an opportunity to rest and regroup before attacking with renewed vigor. The smart tactician does not see an opponent’s retreat as a time...
Like most of the other spiritual disciplines, the objective of “spiritual direction” is to help us become more open and attentive to the presence of God. Unlike most of the other disciplines though, this one is practiced with the assistance of another individual—a companion on...
God is a God of words. He speaks the universe into existence. He sends his Word to the world in the incarnate presence of Jesus. He offers new, fresh truths to us today in Scripture. But the nature of words requires not only a speaker. Words are designed to be received by those who would listen...
Paul instructs us to pray without ceasing. No problem. Except when I’m busy. Which is always. In my conversations with lifetime church-goers, I rarely meet someone who is satisfied with their prayer life. Almost always, I hear they wish their prayer life was stronger/better/more frequent...
Welcome to the Otter Creek Spiritual Disciplines blog! The practice of engaging in spiritual disciplines is an ancient practice designed to expand your capacity for being with God. Dwelling. Listening. Praying. And experiencing God. While there are many disciplines that can be practiced in...