I'm always fascinated by people who pass by a church, push the door and take some time to pray. What do they pray for, are they worried, sad, desperate? Do they just want to take a little break in their busy life? Anyway, I felt like taking this photo because of the chairs around this lady that look like an ocean. FYI, I took it in the same church, where I took this one in 2007, that is Eglise Saint Séverin.
It does look like an ocean! I thought it was flooded at first. Wow!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful picture. Solace is the word that comes to mind when I look at this photograph. Prayer means something different for everyone. You can pray at home, outside or in a church, but it is solace you receive from the cares of this world when you pray. Or it at least it is for me. And hope that things will get better.
ReplyDeleteI pray for my departed love ones and for the people I care about now in my life. Roy, Micheal and Stephen. God Bless.
I know you are not a religious person and i don't think i am me neither but you are a spiritual person in my opinion, and even if that's only worth what it's worth but I think it is important. Whatever the church. Whatever the feeling of worry, sadness or more. Just an help to feel great with yourself. I cant be in the action all the time. I need space to think, but not to pray. Love your title.
ReplyDeleteGnite.
Ouch! The photo reminds me of getting pinched by my mother for misbehavin' in church. I was never very good at sitting still. Of course, I was the child always hanging over the pew talking to people behind us. I guess you could say... I was always a very social person. I got pinched a lot. Lol.
ReplyDeletePew: A long benchlike seat with a back {in a church} used by the congregation.
I say my "prayers" (or you could call it all the positive energy I can muster for people I love and those in need around the world) on the subway each morning! Could probably concentrate on them better in a peaceful place like this. Wonderful, Eric!
ReplyDeleteThat's a very contemplative shot. Lovely. Your title immediately brought to mind the song by Jewel...this is a video of her astonishing performance of Who Will Save Your Soul!
ReplyDeleteYes, lovely shot and quite brave, Eric, to photography this young lady in such a private time. It's a great shot.
ReplyDeleteI'm not religious but think there's something there, bigger than us all and when I go somewhere like this, I always say a few words. Perhaps it's comforting, maybe it's even hedging our bets, who knows? I get a special feeling that's for sure, though I really think if there's a God He will listen wherever you are. I went to Gloucester Cathedral recently and said a few words there, for people I care about and who might need it. Is it a form of insurance, do you think, in our minds?
photograph not photography.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo -- beautiful place. Next time you're near St. Severin and have a chance to drop in, you may like to check out the small prayer chapel that is located behind the main altar area, to the right. It's a place that usually exudes peaceful vibes. And often, that's what people are seeking, I think.
ReplyDeleteVery contemplative picture. Wonderful shot. Makes me sit and be still for a few moments...
ReplyDeleteI have, as a tourist, stopped for some peaceful time, and to rest my feet, in the seats in various Parisian churches.
ReplyDeleteThere are occasions I don't pray for specific occurrences, but to praise the Lord. "In thy presence is fullness of joy."
ReplyDeleteEric, did that decipher part of your fascination? I hope you had a wonderful holiday. I celebrated it by having lots of Bellini while listening to "I Capuleti e I Montecchi". Tchin-tchin!
I think she's praying for understanding of how that man who keeps taking photos of her from the back - you know - the same one who tiptoed up behind her as she was walking with her uniformed boyfriend yesterday - knows where she's going and what she's doing each day!!!! ; }
ReplyDeleteKidding, kidding!!
Its a lovely photo once again, Eric, and full of peace and reverence and warmth with lots of the rich Tenin blues and golds.
I often stop in churches, too. I mostly find them soothing and beautiful. I always pray the same prayer. I don't ask for specific things. I ask only that I or whoever I'm praying for be given whatever we need to learn and grow from whatever we're given in life.
pray? moi? ALL THE TIME. merci Just a girl. write when you can. kotns
ReplyDeleteI remember the 2007 photo quite well, Eric. It was a beauty. Do enjoy the history regarding the Parisian churches too. There are a lot of empty chairs here, non?
ReplyDeleteCarrie...wickedly funny! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI looked at this photo and took a nice, needed breath. That's the effect this one has on me -- 'Love it.
ReplyDeleteI think you've calmed us all down, Eric, stopped us rushing around for a minute or two.
ReplyDeleteKeats; 'had'? Eric has WEEKS of his hols stretching out in front of him yet, lucky thing!
LOL Carrie!
Empty and tranquil.
ReplyDeleteLynn, "WEEKS" ?! I can hardly believe it! Is this another illusion? Hallucination may be.
ReplyDeleteLuck! Luck! All is luck!!
Lynn "Eric has WEEKS of his hols stretching out in front of him yet, lucky thing!"
ReplyDeleteOnly 2 more (and 3 days). It goes do fast ;-(
Fascinating angle Eric!
ReplyDeleteI think people go to the church for someone out there to listen to their prayers and also to escape from the busy streets. It's always peaceful inside any kind of temple.
You see, Keats? I jest not. It does go fast though Eric, I know that feeling. Savour each day; it'll be at least another month before your NEXT hols! ;)
ReplyDeleteAugustine said "Our hearts are restless until they rest in thee". Perhaps your fascination is from being drawn to Him. I love sitting in your big gorgeous cathedrals and just breathing in His presence....and saying some prayers for family and friends.
ReplyDeleteToo many confessions, so little time. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm fascinated by people who pass by a church, push the door and take some photos! What do they click for? Are they...fascinated by people who take some time to pray?
ReplyDeleteSt. Severin has interested people for some time. It's a small church in the middle of a busy area. Churches are in themselves fascinating places: in concept as well as architecturally.
Ok - I just read it from yesterday: "the new PDP". Hmm. What can it be? Inquiring minds want to know. I'm sure it'll be great! Can't wait to hear.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little scared of the new PDP. I like it the way it is! But I'm sure anything you are working on, Eric, will be fabulous.
ReplyDeleteLike Suzy, I'm kind of nervous but excited! Well anyway, 'home' is where Eric is, so it'll be fine ;)
ReplyDeleteJoséphine "I need space to think, but not to pray." I like that ;-)
ReplyDeleteLydia. Thanks for the link, I did not know Jewel.
Lynn "I went to Gloucester Cathedral recently and said a few words there, for people I care about and who might need it. Is it a form of insurance, do you think, in our minds?" that's sweet ;-) Is it a form of insurance? Well yes, probably (as far as I know there is no evidence that praying "works") but who cares ? After all if it makes you feel better, it's what's most important.
Marylin. Yes, I know what you mean. I photographed it once (it's the "this one" link in the caption). This chapel is captivating.
Keats "Eric, did that decipher part of your fascination?" Well, I kinda imagined that, yes ;) Did Juliet die in the end???
Carrie "I think she's praying for understanding of how that man who keeps taking photos of her from the back - you know - the same one who tiptoed up behind her as she was walking with her uniformed boyfriend yesterday - knows where she's going and what she's doing each day!!!! ; }" LOOOOOOL
Coltrane "There are a lot of empty chairs here, non?" yes, because I scared them away to take the photo LOL!
Jeff. "I'm fascinated by people who pass by a church, push the door and take some photos! What do they click for? Are they...fascinated by people who take some time to pray?" LOOOOOL
The new PDP... Yes, I know change is scary. But it's been 4 years, I think a little "redecorating" is necessary. I'll try to keep the spirit as much as I can, but I want to add cool stuff ;)
Relly classy picture, but you know that you re not allowed to take pictures inside the church, don t you? ;)
ReplyDeleteFascinates me... there is silence in this picture... and I feel weird to think so.
ReplyDeleteEric, the Italian version is more or less the same as Shakespeare's. Giulietta, by the end of Act II, expires on the body of Romeo. Alas!
ReplyDeleteThank you Eric, O Wise One. :)
ReplyDeleteEric, this is beautiful, and one of my favorite churches. I agree with you. I'm not religious either, but I love that feeling of peace. I have never felt that in a church in the U.S. Maybe we have a few, such as a cathedral in NY that would feel that way, but for the most part, if I were to walk into a church in the U.S., I would feel that they want something from me. It is so different when I've been in churches in Europe, and I love that feeling. . . . You said it so well.
ReplyDeletei go to church only Sunday to worship lord.
ReplyDeletejohn
Free Satellite TV
I love that the churches in Paris are open for someone to pop in during the day.
ReplyDeleteMany in America are all locked up so no one can steal the sound system or chalices, etc.
(Depends on what part of the US.)