One cold morning in January, Carol Wiley and I
were meeting together in my office when the subject of morning and evening prayer came up. I think I was planning daily prayers for a clergy retreat at Camp Fowler at the time. Carol thought that was a
neat idea. ``Why don't we have morning prayer here?', she asked. ``No one ever requested it, I guess," I answered. ``Why don't we do it for Lent? We could have it at 7:00 am so people could still
get to work on time. It would be wonderful!". Wonderful?, I thought. You don't know how tough it is for me to get out of bed at that time of day. Besides, who would come? ``You're
right, Carol. Let's do it!" On that cold January morning with snow swirling around the grave stones, a seed was planted that has brought forth a wonderful and abundant harvest for
me. John and Prudence Backman joined us regularly, a couple of visitors came once, sometimes I was there by myself, and once Carol Ann was there by herself. BUT, it has been great! I have enjoyed
every morning of it - even the cold wet mornings when getting out of my warm bed was the biggest challenge of the day.
Our ritual is simple. We light the chancel candles, turn on the
light over the cross, turn on one set of sanctuary lights, put on a cassette of instrumental music - very low, and then begin our prayers and lectionary readings. The quiet beauty of morning light piercing the
stained glass windows, the understated charm of the chancel, the appeal of flickering flames on the candles, and the reflection of the overhead light on the brass cross makes for a inviting atmosphere for focused
prayer. Oh, I know we can pray any place at any time and that God is no closer to us in the sanctuary than he is any place else, but being in the sanctuary gives sanctuary to my thoughts and feelings.
The setting protects them from rambling down those bumpy side road of ought, and should. The stained glass setting helps filter out the noise of my own fantasies and expectations and allows me to focus more on
the presence of God.
One of the many serendipities that I discovered came from hearing the scriptures read by Carol and Prudence and John. I enjoy hearing scripture read more than I enjoy
reading it. The women give it a warm, nurturing quality. John's deep base voice gives it a solid, rooted quality. God's voice could be heard in their voice and my soul rejoices in God, my redeemer.
I hope you can find sanctuary in your daily activity, that you can chisel out a piece of time when you can enjoy God in prayer and reading. I pray for you and for the health of your
soul, mind, and body. Take time, make time for what is important and lasting. God will reward your discipline.
``Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faith." Isaiah 40:31
