The Saskatchewan Anglican Newsletter featured an article ‘Be still and know that I am God’. A beautiful story telling of experiences at the House of Prayer in the Qu’Appelle Valley‘Be still and know that I am God’
A weekend retreat at the House of Prayer
By Jo White
The quotation from Psalm 46, “Be still and know that I am God” is, I suspect, the most evident quote around the House of Prayer in the resort village of B-Say-Tah, just outside Fort Qu’Appelle. It also seems to eloquently epitomize all this establishment represents.
My husband Jim and I arrived after dark, so the lights strung through the trees along the driveway were working their magic, twinkling beautifully amongst the dark branches against their snowy-white backdrop.
I can’t remember now if the lights in the Chapel were on or off when we first got there, which is quite frustrating for me, as the picturesque glow coming from the huge windows to greet those on the evening pilgrimage is so captivating, it really ought to be emblazoned across that part of my brain labelled “memories of really amazing things.” Such cognitive dysfunction probably speaks volumes on how much we needed this break from the intense joys and challenges (and most specifically the noise levels!) of being a foster-family, home-schooling seven (sometimes eight) children under the age of 10.
We met Father Glenn Zimmer and Sister Margaret Dick, co-directors of the house, who later gave us a guided tour of the main house that left us both discreetly pinching ourselves to check we weren’t dreaming.
Quickly settling into our room (where I found the writing desk and chair particularly appealing, as I had taken along my theology studies in the hope of progressing my current assignment during our stay; not ideal for a respite break, but insufficient hours under the desk lamp the previous week had left me no choice… tut tut!), we toddled off to evening prayers in the chapel. The very new experience of worship in contemplative silence was genuinely food for the soul. Periodic chanting, singing and short readings punctuated the quiet, as we enjoyed an atmosphere enhanced by incense, plants, the earthy simplicity of the altar setting, the fellowship of the other guests, and of course, the view, even more spectacular from this side of the glass!
Later, as we enjoyed our “welcome” glass of homemade wine by the fireplace in the lounge, we grinned at one another, just ever-so-slightly in awe of the fact here we were, away from “it” all (for more than a mere couple of hours) for the first time in almost 11 years. Wow!
For me, it was impossible not to marvel at the details surrounding us; from the bells and wind-chimes both inside and out, the plants everywhere (and the plant-room: Oh my, the plant room!), to the numerous paintings, pictures, sculptures and wall-hangings. Literature and effigies reflected the multi-faith character of the place.
I delighted in the colours and pattern of a table-runner and even the little porcelain toothpick holders provided; the little chain that perfectly fastened the shower curtain aside, plus the communal meal-time rituals which involved cloth napkins identifiable by a chosen napkin ring (something we do at home too)! Lunches were eaten in complete silence. Oh the joy!
Our Sabbath Supper included more of Glen’s delicious homemade wine and a wonderful opportunity to share stories with the other guests and our hosts. All the meals were cooked and prepared right there, often using produce grown on-site.
We made full use of the library, where I read Sitting Still by Patricia Hart Clifford (1994), a lovely book on her personal encounter with meditation training (deftly preparing me for the next worship). Catherine Barnsley, long-term volunteer who works and lives on-site, is developing the library and invited us to make use of it in the future. It is a valuable resource for my studies and a good supplement to the numerous and varied theological literature I borrow from Rev. Warren Huestis, of Teachers of the Faith Parish.
We also made full use of the grounds, walking the trail up to the huge cross, erected before the chapel was built, yet surprisingly in direct line-of-sight. Sunday morning we were just thrilled to be able to walk to our beloved St. John’s church in Fort Qu’Appelle rather than make the 50-minute drive required from home. It was painfully cold, to the point where smarter people may have questioned such a decision, but we were thrilled, honest!
A very reluctant departure on Sunday afternoon brought us home to our young children, who had been expertly cared-for by our two eldest daughters. Greeted by coloured-ice “snow-globes” along the driveway, showcasing the fun they had all had, we re-united with our short people feeling completely relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to go at it again! And tucked under one arm were studies that were now edging closer to assignment completion, thanks to the generously available giant volumes of Scripture commentary and the kind wisdom of a fellow guest.
Note: The Qu’Appelle House of Prayer is a ministry of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Nestled in the hills above Echo Lake, it provides a sacred and beautiful space for contemplative community and prayer within silence, solitude and hospitality. For more information please call 306-332-6765 or go to http://qhpstillness.ca
photos – Jim White
The House of Prayer near Fort Qu’Appelle welcomes guests seeking contemplative community.
Jim and Jo White rest after their climb to the large cross on the House of Prayer property in the Qu’Appelle Valley.
