Words echoing through the stone walls of the abbey… reflections from Iona

<img decoding="async" src="https://i0.wp.com/images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dc46f083933103936d92b94/1574196136838-UW11Q6YYAM843AV6K7F9/Iona-2011-133-300x225.jpg?resize=300%2C225&#038;ssl=1" alt="The beautiful cloisters, inside the abbey walls." data-recalc-dims="1" />

The beautiful cloisters, inside the abbey walls.

<img decoding="async" src="https://i0.wp.com/images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dc46f083933103936d92b94/1574196137318-Z7UM0YMONG89R3YWRPFF/Iona-2011-411-e1311799731473.jpg?w=1184&#038;ssl=1" alt="Alexa, on Iona" data-recalc-dims="1" />

Alexa, on Iona

“Nothing can separate you from the love of God.”This line, like many others, was repeated during worship. Over and over. Again and again. Repetition was extremely common in the worship services set in the Iona Abbey Centre. At first, I felt odd because of the repetition. I would almost feel bored, but after hearing and saying the same line several times, I could finally understand and feel that it was actually true. The words echoed through the stone walls of the Abbey. This was the only sound made during the prayer. Sitting in almost complete silence allows you to focus on what is being said and gives you a chance to realize its meaning. I am so grateful to have experienced a new way to worship. Sometimes it’s good to goout of your comfort zone.Nothing can separate *me* from the love of God. And nothing can separate *you* from the love of God.

-Alexa, 2011 Westminster to the World participant