Altar time
As I walked away from the altar this morning I felt great joy and honor, and a wish to bring this to everyone.
I fully believe that God is present all the time, that holy moments surround us but we are not awake to them. Each time I kneel at the altar I am awakened--physcially, mentally, and spiritually. As soon as I breathe in the wood, feel my knees on the hard floor, I am transported to a new place. I look at the cross above me and I am surrounded by the presence of God. It is beautiful, awe-full, and tender.
Sometimes I can only stay but a minute--feeling frightened, likely a time in which I need to stay. Other times, like today I wanted to stay longer but wasn't sure of the time and didn't want to be interrupted, so I ended my prayer and walked away.
As I walked away, I realized that I am tremendously priveledged to have a key, an in to the sanctuary any time I feel the need. I can come day or night it does not matter. I wonder if others do the same. I know of a few people who have keys and do come into pray. One comes in late at night/early in the morning before the dawn and loves to sit and pray in the darkness. She says its most beautiful then. But what about the rest with keys--do they know they can come, any time and pray?
What about those with no keys? I long to go back to the days of unlocked churches, unlocked sanctuaries that are open for prayer, for refuge. Out of fear, we lock our doors, even in a house of faith.
I fully believe that God is present all the time, that holy moments surround us but we are not awake to them. Each time I kneel at the altar I am awakened--physcially, mentally, and spiritually. As soon as I breathe in the wood, feel my knees on the hard floor, I am transported to a new place. I look at the cross above me and I am surrounded by the presence of God. It is beautiful, awe-full, and tender.
Sometimes I can only stay but a minute--feeling frightened, likely a time in which I need to stay. Other times, like today I wanted to stay longer but wasn't sure of the time and didn't want to be interrupted, so I ended my prayer and walked away.
As I walked away, I realized that I am tremendously priveledged to have a key, an in to the sanctuary any time I feel the need. I can come day or night it does not matter. I wonder if others do the same. I know of a few people who have keys and do come into pray. One comes in late at night/early in the morning before the dawn and loves to sit and pray in the darkness. She says its most beautiful then. But what about the rest with keys--do they know they can come, any time and pray?
What about those with no keys? I long to go back to the days of unlocked churches, unlocked sanctuaries that are open for prayer, for refuge. Out of fear, we lock our doors, even in a house of faith.
Comments