A Trinity of Bowls

Special Occasions in the church invite us to consider our worship space in a new way. What theological themes do we want to highlight? Is the occasion celebratory or meditative. For Sept. 11, I created a central worship visual that used color to give a subtle patriotic foundation to the service. Some of our guests represented the firemen and other civil posts like the state senate and the house of representatives. Other participants were clergy from other denominations in town.

I like using floating candles as the light ‘migrates’ with the air currents in the room. It reminds me that the light of Christ, while constant, is not stagnant. Glass vases and bowls reflect and multiply the candle light, not unlike the way the church is called to reflect and multiply Christ’s light in the world.

The use of water (floating the candles rather than using a single pillar or taper candle) can remind us of our our baptism; remind us to recollect water’s role in cleansing and renewing; remind us to seek reconciliation and forgiveness personally and as a faith community.

Simple displays can be used in the home to remind us to take time for prayer and reflection. Take a moment to name the current state of your spirit. Choose a piece of cloth (a dinner napkin works well), place an object (natural or otherwise) such as a bible, a stone, a plant, a letter, a pile of shells, a photo, etc. Now light a candle, whatever you have available.

Be still. Offer a prayer.

Be still. Listen.

Give thanks. Notice any thoughts you have or feelings that arise.

Consider keeping a prayer journal.

Come back to your worship space often. God’s Blessing be Yours.

September 12, 2011 0

Starting on that Rule

In my last post I invited you to develop a Rule of Life in order to be more intentional (and aware) of how you prioritize your time and resources. We take so much for granted until something happens to disrupt the flow of our days: a move, a new job, an illness, unexpected financial or social crisis, traveling for business or pleasure, etc.

We don’t intend to neglect our spiritual life or ignore the relationships that give our lives meaning and comfort, challenge us and ground us. So if you have found your way to this blog I invite you again to consider this simple exercise as a way of naming what is important to you.

In prayer, commit yourself to a set apart time to seriously consider your values and goals. WRITE THEM DOWN. You may have to work on this over a period of time, asking yourself one question at a time and waiting patiently until you are able to discern an honest response.

Begin with your primary relationship. How would you describe your relationship with God? What would you like it to be? What do you currently do to foster your relationship with God? What spiritual disciplines can you identify that might help you in shaping and growing your knowledge, understanding and experience of God. Make a list of simple sentence responses to these questions.

If you have already taken on this challenge, what sort of things have you been able to name, so far? Until later ….. one deacon on a journey.

September 8, 2011 0