I’ve got a thing for empty churches.  Well, not really empty, just devoid of people.  I find them to be peaceful, soothing, instructive places.  Without the noise and distraction of other people it seems easier to hear God’s voice.

In times of trouble I’ve been known to seek out a church and sit quietly for a time while I sort things out.  It has worked very well for me.  

The only problem I’ve discovered is that it’s hard to sit unattended in a church for very long.  Invariably someone comes by to ask if you need anything.  You can't fault them; church folk are just naturally helpful, friendly people. So I ask them if I can sit alone in the church for a while.  I promise to be quiet.  I promise not to be any trouble.  Usually at that point they leave me alone. Perhaps they keep an eye on me from a distance.

I wish churches could always be open so that anyone could walk in off the street and sit in the sanctuary at any time.  However I recognize that’s not practical.  It’s sad that you can’t leave a church open for fear of someone taking nefarious advantage.  But that’s the reality.

Often these days I’ll just sit on the steps outside.  I’ve found that it works just as well.  The quiet, the presence, the focus--all work together to heal pain and make chaos clear.

If you’ve never tried it, I encourage you to do so.  You may find what you’ve been looking for.