Soaking in the Spirit

Pastors (for obvious reasons, including self-preservation) often talk about the need for people to both worship and be in worship. It's community building and, hopefully, also gives people spiritual nourishment, but, more importantly, I think we were created to worship, to give thanks, to sing praises, to lift up prayers, to confess our sins, to read God's word, all in response to God's goodness. Now, pastors talk this talk, but too few of us (sorry for the use of this cliche), walk the walk.

It's not impossible for pastors to worship while they are also leading worship. Some can do it with no problem and, at times, I do, too. But I also have other things on my mind, like making sure the liturgy is moving along smoothly and that I don't miss any of my own cues. Because of that, I occasionally worship on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Highland Park. There's a part of me that has a real love for time-tested liturgy and the Episcopalians do it as well as anyone. I went again this morning, though it has been months since my last visit. I made my way through the back door (the front was locked) and maneuvered my way through the maze of hallways until I darted in the side door of the chapel. There were probably a dozen of us there, reciting prayers out of the Book of Common Prayer, hearing the word read and (briefly) preached, and sharing in communion. I was the only male there. Most of the people were older women, but I enjoyed being a part of that community for 30 minutes or so. I could simply let myself worship and soak in the Spirit. It was a great feeling.