Be Still

Buenos días hermanas y hermanos;

Two weeks ago Friday we celebrated compline here at Christ Church. The sanctuary was lit by two candles and one dim light overhead. It afforded the space a glow that can only be described as divine. There is something special about worshipping in the sanctuary when it is nearly empty. Every creak of the old building becomes discernible, a single leaf of paper gently falling to the ground is heard. You become attuned to the surroundings, to your breathing, to the beating of your heart. It is truly a thin place that dissolves worry and anxiety, a heavenly antidote to the chaos that is the world just beyond the sanctuary doors.  

As you know by now, compline is the final prayer service in the Anglican tradition of canonical hours. It is a time for quiet reflection and concluding the day before rest. Compline seeks God's protection during the night. 

Although there is a set template for the order of service, each is distinct. It all depends on the week that has unfolded. We come with different worries, concerns, anxieties as well as joy. 

Two weeks ago I was thinking about Psalm 46, verse 10. " Be still and know that I am God." I had much on my mind, and I was praying for stillness. I was also praying for the presence of the Holy Spirit. Before the concluding sentences, we played the Shaker Hymn called Simple Gifts. We heard a modern version by Jewel. I highly recommend it. The sanctuary was embraced in a stillness that was overwhelming. Once the music ended, we sat in silence for several moments. As I sat in my pew, eyes closed, a shadow suddenly blocked the dim light, as though someone were standing directly in front of me. Then the shadow disappeared. I opened my eyes and no one was there. And my heart and soul rejoiced.

The Holy Spirit had swept through the sanctuary with a profound silence that was deafening. The Holy Spirit sweeps through the landscape of our ordinary lives. 

Let us come together, sisters and brothers, and pray the litany of the Holy Spirit.  It will set us free. 

Come, Holy Spirit, creator, and renew the face of the earth 

Come Holy Spirit, counsellor, and touch our lips that we may proclaim your word. 

Come, Holy Spirit, power from on high: make us agents of peace and ministers of wholeness.

Come, Holy Spirit, breath of God, give life to the dry bones of this exiled age, and make us a living people, holy and true. 

Come , Holy Spirit, wisdom and truth: strengthen us in the risk of faith.

If you are not having a good day, please send me a prayer request that I can include in my evening prayers.

And I encourage you to find a quiet corner tonight and do evening prayers. 

Let us pray 

Almighty God,

kindle we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, 

and guide with your wisdom 

those who take counsel for the nations of the earth,

that justice and peace may increase,

until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love;

through Jesus Christ our Lord 

May you have a lovely afternoon and an even lovelier evening. 

Dios los bendiga 

Paz 

I love you

P.S. I am thinking about creating a logo for our little reflection group. If there are any Picassos or Van Gogh's amongst us, please feel free to submit any ideas.

All will be well