I prayed for 48 hours in a monastery.

What happened when I spent 48 hours at a Cistercian monastery in Australia to pray? Join me for my solo prayer retreat at Tarrawarra Abbey, where I take a break from normal life to spend time with God like a monk. Also in this video: Lots and lots of cows.

Given the very intimate setting, for the monks' and other guests' privacy I chose not to show anyone else on camera during my stay.

Tarrawarra Abbey is a monastery of Cistercian (Trappist) monks in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. Founded in 1954, the Abbey follows the Rule of St Benedict, with monastic life centred on prayer, contemplation, community and work. They work the cattle farm and acreage as a source of income, as well as donations from the community. Up to 6 guests can stay on-site at a time for their own prayer retreats, and the cost is by donation.

Learn More: https://www.cistercian.org.au/

The worship music I listened to during my retreat:

• "Gjeilo: Ubi Caritas" by VOCES8 and Ola Gjeilo

• "Gjeilo: Serenity (O Magnum Mysterium)" by Ola Gjeilo, Tenebrae, Matthew Sharp, Kristian Kvalvaag

• Ella Fitzgerald, "Ella Fitzgerald's Christmas" Album (Has general worship songs)

• Anything by Keith Green

• Anything by SOLU Israel