Quiet Spaces

The brf prayer and spirituality journal

The first of three issues of Quiet Spaces for 2012 is entitled 'Sit' and will be followed by 'Walk' and 'Stand', reflecting a theme relating to sport around these postures of the human body. In this first issue, Tony Horsfall, who has spent a number of years in China, introduces us to the spirituality of Watchman Nee, whose influential book Sit, Walk, Stand was very important in his time.

Quiet Spaces:A light for my path. In this issue we remember that the word of God is a light for our path. Carol Jerman takes up this theme in her contribution 'A lamp to my feet'. Jean Watson writes about the light Paul encountered on the road to Damascus, and Alison MacTier from the Retreat Association helps us to think about being 'Companions along the Way'. Janet Fletcher reminds us of the 'light that will sustain us, open up prayer from deep within us'.

Quiet Spaces: Bread for the Journey looks at the many different ways the themes of bread and life are painted in the Bible. The spiritual aspects of bread for the journey are explored in liturgy, prayers and reflection.

Quiet Spaces: Tomorrow looks at the many different aspects of facing our tomorrow.

The theme for our new edition of Quiet Spaces is Today. Learning to live now, in our own today, is important. For each of us this will mean different contexts, challenges and opportunities. Tim Blewett will help us think about learning to live in the context of our own day, drawing inspiration from his own life and circumstances.

Quiet Spaces: Yesterday draws together insights from the Bible, personal experience, music and poetry, alongside the articles and regular columns.

Quiet Spaces: Nation draws together insights from the Bible, personal experience, music and poetry, alongside the articles and regular columns.

This issue of Quiet Spaces looks at the theme of community, both in terms of everyday life and in terms of religious community.

The word 'solitude' often has negative connotations. It reminds us of loneliness and pain. While this certainly is the experience of 'solitude' for many people, there is also the positive side: the chance to be alone and rest in God's presence, the peace and quiet we may find there.

Night can be a time of peace, of resting after the busyness and heat of the day. It can also be a time of great activity. It can be a time of darkness when we are used to the light.

Noon is the busiest time of the day for some, and for others it's the beginning of a siesta, away from the heat of the day.