Silent Retreat - Abbey of Gethsemani

Abbey of Gethsemani - Trappist, KY - http://www.monks.org/

I spent two full days (January 2 - 4, 2012) at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist, KY (about 20 miles south of Bardstown) with the monks.  It was a great experience of silence, prayer, meditation, Sripture reading, and journaling.  They have over 1,000 acres of land to explore (I didn't get to all of that), seven times of prayer/chanting each day (3:15 a.m., 5:45 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 5;30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.).  Trappist monks are known for Prayer, Work and Silence.  The Abbey of Gethsemani is particularly known for their cheese, fruit cake and fudge.  They follow the rule of St. Benedict of Nursia. 




Abbey of Gethsemani Church Tower

 My retreat at Gethsemani was a great way to begin my sabbatical.  Here are a few thoughts and prayers from my journal:

O God, guide me in this time that I may be renewed for your service and glory.  Amen.

On the first day it was snowing and I wrote:

Come windy-snow, come,
  Blow outside my window,
    Blow right past my heart.
Come windy-snow, come,
  fill the air with your presence
    until the eye can no longer see.
Slow me down, ease my thoughts,
  linger my mind so I may rest
   and find myself again.
Come windy-snow, come.

I wrote another memory about "A Monk on the Stairs" that is a fun story.  You'll have to ask me about it when I return.

PAX (Peace), Pastor Keith


Pastor Keith on a cold day with crystal clear sky - beautiful view from top of hill with Cross




Beautiful tree in the garden valley as the sun is rising