Places For Our Prayers
I have long been fascinated by the places people call Sacred. Places that are set aside for something. Places to bring and leave prayers.
On a recent trip to New York City, I visited two cathedrals the purpose of which was just to simply sit and experience sacred space. I immediately teared up as I entered St. Patrick's, something I always seem to do here because of the immensity and beauty of its architecture. I am certain that I also felt the presence of prayers. Small in my little pew, gazing into the huge expanse above, I experienced sacred space. Looking at the visitors who had actually come to pray, I imaged all sorts of prayers released in that place, and wondered if it still held a prayer I left there more than three decades ago.
The next day, I was very excited to visit St. John the Divine far uptown on Amsterdam Avenue for the first time. Photographs I had seen of its beautiful stained glass windows interested me. But although the glass was amazing, the huge, tree-like pillars that created and protected the place dark, quiet space were what impressed me.
At home, I have places in nature that are sacred to me. Places that have many things in common with cathedrals. Places where I bring and leave prayers.
In one of those places, I created a physical representation of a prayer which I often visit, rebuild, and sometimes change. Here, the prayer is given space and protected by trees which, like man-made pillars, draws the mind, heart, and prayers upward.
On my last visit to the prayer in the woods, I thought about other similarities between sacred space in nature and man-made cathedrals. Here in nature, like a traditional church, I have rituals and relationships. Near the entrance, the path leads between an opening in a stone wall. Here I stop. Similar to a genuflection that I learned about in St. Patrick's with a Catholic friend so long ago, I stop to honor the fact I am entering a sacred place. On the way out, I pause again to pray I will continue to feel the blessing and peace of that place as I leave. As a ritual practice of walking meditation, I walk the circular path either once or three times when I visit. And I have formed and cultivate many relationships with specific creatures in this woods. Relationships that last for years and years.
At this point in my life, I have found great comfort in placing my prayers in the open space of nature. In a few weeks, I will visit the woods in Western Pennsylvania where I grew up. As I child, I released many kinds of emotions and prayers among the trees that still remain. I can't wait to continue my relationship with that place where I went daily to play, pray, and learn the blessings of the Creator.
I encourage you to find a sacred space, either man-made or in nature, to bring and leave your prayers.
© Beth Adoette
New Miniature, Mailable, Frameable Prints!
After many requests, I am now offering several miniature, mailable prints on my website... and more to come as this year of Good Morning circle continues!
Subscribe to my "Circle of Friends" to receive blogs, back stories of my contemplative art, and notifications of new prints and events in your inbox. Subscribe here.
