Cathedral of the Dales

St Andrew's Church at Grinton in North Yorkshire is often called the Cathedral of the Dales on account of its disproportionate size. Like Kendal parish church, it is large and spacious, though it serves a smaller, scattered population. It still retains some of its old medieval glass, and the remains of rood screens still stand erect.

The building would once have housed several chantry chapels, where rich benefactors could have their souls prayed for, that they might have relief from the purgatorial flames. These have all gone, thank God, though there is one built into the east wall of the chancel, almost behind the altar. It is now a little chapel where one might sit quietly and pray, without recourse to fearing flames or priestly promises of post-mortem mediation.

Prayer is not just seeking God’s mercy and neither is a long shopping list of things He must do, with attached timescales. It is waiting on Him, seeking His presence, discerning His will. Sometimes, we must take ourselves away from the hustle and bustle, even of church life, and spend time with Jesus alone. I am the first to advocate attendance at the weekly prayer meeting and public worship, but one should still steal away and be with Him alone. Large vibrant churches are wonderful, and the Dales needs a cathedral or two...but the soul of the Christian needs a regular dose of peace and quiet. 

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
spend much time in secret with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see

-W.D. Longstaff, 1882