Saturday, June 11, 2016

Dear God,

How much we are drawn to holy places when we love you!  The moment I saw the abbey in the brochure, I knew I wanted to visit.  Build in the 900's, the magnificent cathedral rose up out of the lush green pastureland and stood as a sacred monument to God.  The long walk through the grounds to the church gave us opportunity to gaze upon the ancient home of Benedictine monks.  But it was when we walked through the beautiful archway we got a true sense of the divine.

My eyes were lifted to painted ceilings, the work of artists so long ago.  My soul was filled as the organist rehearsed for worship.  As I walked through each chapel I forgot to even pray because I was taken by the altars, statues, and scriptures inscribed.  I felt such peace, the feeling of home. 

We sat down in chairs and listened as the small men's choir rehearsed and decided to stay for evensong.  Invited to move to the choir loft, we joined in the praises of our God.  On our knees we prayed the Lord's prayer and heard the choir sing from the psalms.  When a prayer was offered for the nations, we felt not only the inclusion of heaven but earth as well. 

O Lord, you filled us with the food of heaven.  You anointed us with your living presence.  You blessed us with living water and we lifted our empty cups until we drank to overflowing.

Almighty God,
so tender
are you
when blessing
your children.
Thank you
for your church
that still speaks
to our
deepest need.
Thank you
for your gospel
of love.

Love always, Andrea