By Richard Roberts
Early in 2020, I had some conversations about Ffald y Brenin retreat centre in Wales, including our Local Houses of Prayer network. It seemed that many people had benefitted greatly from visiting the centre and, for some, the idea of having a rhythm of prayer was life-changing. Many also had a fresh experience of God’s presence.
Some visitors adopt or adapt aspects of their experience at the centre once they return home. Several keep in contact or attend Prayer Days and have joined us on our journey. The idea for my book, Cultivating God’s Presence, came about as a way to help people understand more of the Celtic roots of Ffald y Brenin and other movements in what has become known as New Monasticism.
The heart of monasticism is the desire to experience more of God. Monastic practices interlock to provide an integrated approach to cultivating God’s presence and carrying his presence into our everyday lives. These practices form what is termed ‘a Rule’, a guide to a pattern of living based on the desire to know more of God.
This is a book for those who are beginning this exploration, as well as for those further along the path who want to delve deeper. There is no attempt to provide a set of ready-made answers but rather to suggest a framework for understanding what monastic-inspired spirituality might look like today. This is a practical book without being too prescriptive.
Cultivating God’s Presence blends personal experience, the example of the Church down the ages, and Biblical teaching. The Celts are the main reference point, as they emphasised an awareness of God’s presence, as well as the importance of prayer and carrying God’s presence with them in pilgrimage – this makes them an inspiring movement and one which we can learn from and emulate.
The book is now available as an e-book here, and physical copies are available for pre-order through the Ffald y Brenin shop.
Richard is a trustee of the International Charismatic Consultation and of Ffald y Brenin Retreat Centre in Wales. He is on the organising committee for the Gathering in the Holy Spirit (Rome) and the Charismatic Leaders Fellowship (USA).
Featured photo by Tom Swinnen from Pexels