We live in a loud world. Noise is everywhere, a barrage of sound and fury. Cell phones are ubiquitous. Privacy isn’t dead yet, but its future is up for grabs. In this hyperconnected world, we must intentionally choose solitude. We need open spaces in our modern techno world to hear from God. Jesus began his ministry with forty formative days of solitude and modeled the practice of retreating to quiet places for prayer. Monastic communities have something to teach us about the value of silence and solitude. The designation “monk” is a word that originates from a Greek term meaning alone. Monks lived apart from the world to grow closer to God. Kathleen Norris has observed, “I often have the odd feeling that the monastery is the real world, while the dog-eat-dog world that most people call real is, in fact, an illusion.”
Gregory of Khandzta (759-861) and four friends started a monastery in a remote region of what is now Turkey in AD 782. The remnants of their stone monastery are still visible today. They instituted a rigorous regimen of diet, prayer, and solitude to listen for God. It must have suited Gregory well. He lived to the ripe old age of one hundred two! Gregory and his friends helped revitalize Christianity in Middle Europe through the recovery of spiritual practices like fasting, prayer, and solitude. There are some things God only reveals to us when we disconnect from our preoccupations with daily life. Quiet places open the heart to God. Solitude frees us. We need not fear being alone, for we are never alone. We join with Gregory in praying:
Gregory of Khandzta
Christ our Lord,You suffered and were tempted.
You are powerful to come to the aid
of those who are assaulted by the devil,
for you are the support of Christian people.
O Lord, protect us with your right hand
those who trust in your Name.
Deliver them from the Evil One,
and grant them everlasting joy.
Amen.
St. Gregory of Khandzta—University of Oregon
One Prayer a Day—A Prayer of St, Gregory of Khandzta
Rev. Dr. Peter James served 42 years as the senior of Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, VA — 21 years in the 20th century and 21 years in the 21st century. He retired in 2021 and now serves as Pastor-in-Residence at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Even as a pastor, prayer came slowly to Pete. Read Pete’s story.