Friday, February 22, 2008

Dearest God,

We stood or knelt together, hovered over the person who asked for prayer. In the ancient tradition, we placed our hands on her head, her shoulders, back and arms. I made the sign of the cross with oil I had carried home from Jerusalem. We who were friends and strangers bowed, entering into the holy of holies as we prayed. As the light of a single candle burned on the altar reflecting upon the brass cross, we moved from person to person, anointing, praying.

More than one brushed tears from their eyes, realizing the beauty of gathering in your presence, becoming the one body of Christ, our hands his, our voice his, our love, his, our prayers his only. And we sang, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me..."

The circle of 14 had been drawn together as one, our voice one voice. We had prayed for one another. We had sought the favor of the Prince of Peace, your son. He had sat among us, praying with us, loving us silently. And as we stood for one final prayer, we felt his arms around us, holding us close and tight. And beautiful.

How lovely
is your church
when your people
pray for one another.
Our many colors
and traditions
and practices
enrich our center.
Empowered
with a spirit
from on high,
we step out
into the world
to make a difference,
a difference
of love and grace and mercy.
We are Jesus.

Love, Andrea