Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Dearest God,

The bells were ringing as I entered the monastery.  I picked up my psalm book, bowed toward the altar, and then sat down by my colleague.  As we stood to sing the opening phrase, "O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall declare your praise," I sighed and then breathed in deeply your living presence.  I drank in the psalms, the words of an open heart, the music, and the light.

As I filled myself with faith, tradition, belief, and community, I experienced so much joy even down into my toes.  What is it about monastic liturgy that makes my heart sing and my soul soar?  Why and how am I so drawn to your life among the monastics?

As we prayed your prayer and the service ended, I felt full, refreshed, challenged, and loved.

Holy God,
so full
of goodness
and grace,
thank you
for your spirit
among the monastics.
Thank you
for the word,
liturgy, and song.
I am grateful
for the sense
of community,
one voice,
one hope,
one faith.
Thank you
for giving me
the privilege
of blending
my own voice
with yours
and theirs.

Love, Andrea