“Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 3:5
In Scotland are many abbeys. Often called monasteries, these ancient stone structures seem to be everywhere. On my recent trip to the Lowlands of Scotland, I visited six abbeys. Each one was unique and had their own story to tell. Some were only shells of their former selves, having endured wars or just general decay and neglect over the years. One in particular was fully standing, except for the wood roof that had long disappeared.
My favorite was Dundrennan Abbey located in the Dumfries and Galloway area, near the quaint town of Kirkcudbright (pronounced “kirk-coo-bree”). Perhaps Dundrennan was my favorite because it was the first one I visited. Perhaps it was the age of the structure that impressed me as it was built in 1142. Or maybe it was the calmness and sacredness that was almost palpable. Like Moses in Exodus 3:5, I was walking on holy ground.
On the day I was there, the sky was ashen with threatening showers. It was cold and damp. The massive dark grey sandstone structure, what was left of it, stood in contrast to the luscious green grass at its feet. There was a silence there, of secrets untold, of stories and legends within its walls. Mary, Queen of Scots, spent her last night in Scotland here in 1568 before traveling to England where she was imprisoned for 18 years and then executed by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I. What other stories could these ancient walls tell? Who else, grand or otherwise, graced its space for a time?
Dundrennan Abbey is a hallowed place, where Cistercian monks worshipped and worked while living out a simple existence. My heart was drawn to the quietness, the stillness, as I wondered what life would have been like in the 12th century in this holy place. Life was uncomplicated. Worship was experienced 24/7. I envied the monks for their lack of distractions in praising God. This begged the question of myself: what distracts me from worshipping the Lord? What distractions do I allow that keep me from communing with God throughout my day?
Years ago, I read a book by Brother Lawrence entitled The Practice of the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence’s job was to wash the dishes. In his work, he was able to praise God while performing his duties, praying constantly as he labored. His activity was not a distraction but a gift he offered to the Lord as he went about his day.
The Bible says we are to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is merely a conversation with God. There are no trappings, such as ornate churches or austere abbeys, which are necessary for us to direct our thoughts heavenward. Dundrennan Abbey challenged me to bring that serenity of soul into the everyday where life with God becomes a minute-by-minute reality, not just saved for Sunday mornings. My heart is the hallowed space where I can pray anytime, anywhere.
I doubt that Fergus, the Lord of Galloway, had future tourists in mind when he had Dundrennan Abbey built. But I am thankful that the abbey has stood the test of time and remains today to speak into this traveler’s heart of God’s holiness and peace.
Heavenly Father, thank You for places like Dundrennan Abbey that remind me of Your holiness. Help me to pray continually throughout each day as I abide in Your peace and presence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Text and photo copyright © 2016 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Dundrennan Abbey, Dundrennan, Scotland.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
In Scotland are many abbeys. Often called monasteries, these ancient stone structures seem to be everywhere. On my recent trip to the Lowlands of Scotland, I visited six abbeys. Each one was unique and had their own story to tell. Some were only shells of their former selves, having endured wars or just general decay and neglect over the years. One in particular was fully standing, except for the wood roof that had long disappeared.
My favorite was Dundrennan Abbey located in the Dumfries and Galloway area, near the quaint town of Kirkcudbright (pronounced “kirk-coo-bree”). Perhaps Dundrennan was my favorite because it was the first one I visited. Perhaps it was the age of the structure that impressed me as it was built in 1142. Or maybe it was the calmness and sacredness that was almost palpable. Like Moses in Exodus 3:5, I was walking on holy ground.
On the day I was there, the sky was ashen with threatening showers. It was cold and damp. The massive dark grey sandstone structure, what was left of it, stood in contrast to the luscious green grass at its feet. There was a silence there, of secrets untold, of stories and legends within its walls. Mary, Queen of Scots, spent her last night in Scotland here in 1568 before traveling to England where she was imprisoned for 18 years and then executed by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I. What other stories could these ancient walls tell? Who else, grand or otherwise, graced its space for a time?
Dundrennan Abbey is a hallowed place, where Cistercian monks worshipped and worked while living out a simple existence. My heart was drawn to the quietness, the stillness, as I wondered what life would have been like in the 12th century in this holy place. Life was uncomplicated. Worship was experienced 24/7. I envied the monks for their lack of distractions in praising God. This begged the question of myself: what distracts me from worshipping the Lord? What distractions do I allow that keep me from communing with God throughout my day?
Years ago, I read a book by Brother Lawrence entitled The Practice of the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence’s job was to wash the dishes. In his work, he was able to praise God while performing his duties, praying constantly as he labored. His activity was not a distraction but a gift he offered to the Lord as he went about his day.
The Bible says we are to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is merely a conversation with God. There are no trappings, such as ornate churches or austere abbeys, which are necessary for us to direct our thoughts heavenward. Dundrennan Abbey challenged me to bring that serenity of soul into the everyday where life with God becomes a minute-by-minute reality, not just saved for Sunday mornings. My heart is the hallowed space where I can pray anytime, anywhere.
I doubt that Fergus, the Lord of Galloway, had future tourists in mind when he had Dundrennan Abbey built. But I am thankful that the abbey has stood the test of time and remains today to speak into this traveler’s heart of God’s holiness and peace.
Heavenly Father, thank You for places like Dundrennan Abbey that remind me of Your holiness. Help me to pray continually throughout each day as I abide in Your peace and presence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Want to subscribe to future posts? Click here.
Text and photo copyright © 2016 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Dundrennan Abbey, Dundrennan, Scotland.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
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