Several times, in Sunday Schools and worship services, it is encouraged to have some quiet time and spend time with God. And I find it difficult because it is my room, where there are so much distraction. I want to be in a room that is designed for prayer and worship if I want to meditate. On weekdays, even though church office is open, the sanctuary is not open or even if it is, it is dark or set up for prayer. If I get to build my own house, I would probably make a prayer room.
The church I go to here in Birmingham will have Good Friday service, which is rare in Baptist churches. In Sunday School yesterday, we talked about it and the teacher said it would be good to have some of tradition from Catholic. I agree.
As a Baptist, I think it is good to keep some of good tradition that has been practiced by Catholic and Episcopal church . I like how Catholics keep sanctuary quiet and open to public. Several Christian songs and books talk about how important to have your spirit fixed onto God rather than just motion. But, in this secular world, it is hard to find a place that shut you off from the world for a little time.
Particularly many of believers around me, mostly Baptists, criticize about how Catholics focus on motion over spirituality, but I think we should take another look on them. I agree that they may have a lot of motion that can distract you from God. But, they have some good practices too. One of our Sunday School members grew up in Episcopal family and told about how they prepared for Easter. Members take a shift for three days before Easter in sanctuary. That is very good to remember the fact that Jesus gave up Himself for our sin.
It seems to me that Baptists try to remove many ceremonies or "motions" as distraction. Yes, those may be distracting in the spiritual walk, but sometimes those tradition may be able to be aid as well.
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