I went into a mosque with a friend the other day so that she could pray. I sat down and waited somewhat awkwardly while she performed her prayer, quietly praying under my breath because I didn't know what to do with myself...as I looked around at the huge ceilings with ornate patterns, I was torn between a strange feeling of peace and a strong sense of conflict in the spiritual realm. It was really quiet and cool, and relatively empty of people, but imagine when it's full of devoted muslims on their face in prayer, what is really going on there in the spirit? Is the Holy Spirit there, duking it out with the forces of darkness?

I almost got this sense that it was empty of the Lord's presence up until the moment I took off my shoes and tiptoed in, and then I asked Him to come, fill the place, surround us with His loving kindness and touch my friend's life.

and I wondered...can I even spend time communing with the Lord in a place of false worship?