I have been struggling with finding the holy in
worship. It is so different being behind
the altar than looking at the altar.
Giving and receiving of holy moments during worship, feeling
particularly touched by a moment, brushed with an inner peace, being able to
pray what I need to pray; these thing appear in worship for leaders in unique
ways and are often sought after in places other than a service. But finding the holy, in any aspect of life,
is possible, if we can let go, breathe and embrace possibilities of grace.
In my reading today I came across a chapter on worship. I was very pleased to be offered some
suggestions on how to prepare for worship, no matter if I’m in the pew or at
the altar. I offer these questions to
help center on the two way relationship with God:
“When have I been aware of your presence, guidance, or grace this week?
How did I respond?
When have I been especially unaware of your presence, guidance, or
grace this week? Why?
What habit of the heart do I need to acquire in order to live more
faithfully?”
[Marjorie J.
Thompson. Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life (Kindle
Locations 945-946). Kindle Edition.]
I’m not sure
how I want to implement these into my weekly routine, but I feel the need to
figure it out…soon…because it is so easy to simply “go to work” and “do the
job” and forget Who I am there to do it for.
Especially when I consider this:
“The audience is God!” [Thompson. (Kindle Location 825).]
And: “Christian
worship is paradoxical. God is both the audience and the main actor. We too are
both actors and audience.” [Thompson. (Kindle
Location 832). ]
Dear God, the supreme audience of worship,
the lead role in creation, thank you for cheering me on as I navigate this time
in my life. You are ever present whether
or not I notice or devote time to our relationship. Help me have more intention while I live and
love to your grace. Teach me to let go,
relax and be in your presence, accepting your guidance in all that I do. Amen.