Wandering Worshipper

One of the many blessings of sabbatical time is the privilege and blessing of worshipping with communities other than my home church. I attended a meditative service at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd last night -- for anybody who thinks that it is imperative to have instruments and voices active at all times, it might be daunting.

However...

There is a particular space we enter when the responses to scripture readings, the sermon, and the prayers are experienced in silence. It is a space that may be less accessible when we are diverted by the sound of human energy -- vocal or musical.

The "setting of the table" (ie, preparing the communion table) was enfolded in silence. The congregation was encouraged to be in silent contemplation of the movements of the presiding and assisting minister. Watching their reverent preparations, I quietly prepared my soul for the mysterious, mystical meal that was about to unfold. Indeed, "All Mortal Flesh" was invited to "be silent". In the stillness the whispering invitation -- the divine "come, the table is set" -- was spoken. And perhaps we all were more capable of hearing it. Perhaps our hearts and souls and minds were open to a different way of receiving again the fullness offered in Christ.

I'm not saying that such spiritual openness is necessarily obstructed by more active, audible worship.

However...in the silence I experienced the beauty and power of corporate worship in an intimate, intense way.

There is an emptiness in silence that encourages "me" (, my awareness of this or that page...or musical note...) to dissolve. Less aware of my "self", I am keenly aware of the full community of equally silent people -- all attending to what is going on that always goes on beneath spoken words or musical instruments and voices.

It was a silent worship that spoke profoundly to my soul. I give thanks...I give praise...amen.