Iona
Much has been written about the hardships of pilgrimages and I confess that I want no part of them. Maybe it’s an age thing; maybe a life of privilege; my disposition; my upbringing; the times? Who knows? Perhaps I should feel guilty, pick up my sandals and tunic and set my eyes toward Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela or Canterbury. Well, I’m not about to head out; I’m not interested.
I travel sensibly and safely but not extravagantly. Both the journey and the destination hold value for me, but my overarching purpose is to craft some extended time alone--whether I am on a solitary trip or at the cottage by the sea. I love the beauty of the ocean, the wonder the Scottish moors, or the mystery of a Tuscan hill town. I always have a personally satisfying and enjoyable time, and truth be told, that’s a good reason for me to go.
But for a Christian, there is more going on here. I get off alone to seek God, longing to feel once again in that Holy embrace, which is where my call to pray for people starts and ends. Of the many roles that Jesus shows us, I most identify with the Jesus who, in the midst of teaching and healing, went off by himself to pray. My “pilgrimages” give me time and space to empty my mind of all the judgments that obstruct my prayer, because I know that intercessory prayer is about getting out of God’s way so God’s will can be done.
I travel sensibly and safely but not extravagantly. Both the journey and the destination hold value for me, but my overarching purpose is to craft some extended time alone--whether I am on a solitary trip or at the cottage by the sea. I love the beauty of the ocean, the wonder the Scottish moors, or the mystery of a Tuscan hill town. I always have a personally satisfying and enjoyable time, and truth be told, that’s a good reason for me to go.
But for a Christian, there is more going on here. I get off alone to seek God, longing to feel once again in that Holy embrace, which is where my call to pray for people starts and ends. Of the many roles that Jesus shows us, I most identify with the Jesus who, in the midst of teaching and healing, went off by himself to pray. My “pilgrimages” give me time and space to empty my mind of all the judgments that obstruct my prayer, because I know that intercessory prayer is about getting out of God’s way so God’s will can be done.
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