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Pilgrimage 2
Pilgrimage.
A journey.
A return.
As people, we love to do things that give us deposits in the boxes of memories.
We often return to the places that lighten our hearts and help us connect with God. It may be a church building, a bench, or a beach. Each time is a kind of pilgrimage.
Wherever we hear the Father’s voice clearer and cleaner is a place we will keep going back to.
Psalm 86 v 4: blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
People have always made pilgrimages.
I think today there is a reawakening to the value of a pilgrimage journey in a Christians life. To mark a moment. To walk purposefully towards something, maybe away from something else.
There is something instinctive within us to want to draw close rhythmically, to walk, to commit to the journey and to travel to a place where we believe we might sense and know more of God’s presence. It’s the commitment to the discipline of the journey. The process that draws us closer in our hearts. God is always close, but it makes us feel closer. It’s like we walk away the noise and distractions. We are able to separate ourselves from the business and business of life
Walking is well known to reduce blood pressure and reduce stress; walking seems to me to be a massive gift God has given us. It’s free and available whatever country or landscape you are in. Whatever stage of life you are in, it’s usually possible.
I walk twice a day. It’s always on the same path towards the smell and sight of the ocean. It’s always with the same companions: Charlie, the black lab, and Jesus.
Where and how do you do pilgrimage?
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2 Responses to Pilgrimage 2
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I have been thinking about this, too! (I had suddenly noticed in the scriptures that Jesus and the disciples walked a lot, and had been thinking of all the benefits I have had from that. Slower pace, intimacy, and sometimes getting straight down to the root of things!) I go out to the woods 4-5 times a week with my companions - 3 dogs and Jesus. Love this time and can’t seem to get enough of it. Thanks for sharing~
Hi Sally! Love your thoughts on Pilgrimage. And the thoughts of your walking each day with Jesus and Charlie. Pilgrimage is an ancient way of connecting to God, leaving behind the busy-ness of everyday and taking intentional time to walk, pray, think, BE, walking maybe special paths to a special place, trusting that GOd will meet with you along the way. I lead Pilgrimages and love the way the women on it are touched in surprising, deep, life changing ways by the Lord. You can read about the Pilgrimage here: http://www.ministriesbydesign.org/the-cotswold-pilgrimage/
Noticed sadly you’ve unfollowed me on Twitter!!!
HOpe you and Mike are well. Will have to come and visit when we are next in SC.
-Penelope