I invite you to a reflective experience. This is a church service. It is an hour of prayer and praise for you, no matter who you are. If you are part of this busy world, you need this experience. If you are having a difficult time in your life, personal or career-wise, this is for you. If you need to find some hope on which to cling today, right now, and in the future, this is worth your time.
But I suggest some prep work. It’s not absolutely necessary, but it will make a difference. First, tell the world to leave you alone for an hour. That may be impossible, you say, but make it happen. If you have a set of headphones, then use them.
I’m asking you to go All-In. By that I mean, risk taking the opportunity to simply let a worship service unfold without worrying about the clock or anything to distract you. Don’t judge anything you see or hear until the end. It is important that you listen and watch until the very end. If you are nudged out of your comfort zone, then be patient. This service is about opening up communication channels at all levels of your life. It asks nothing of you except to receive in faith that you are loved.
Dwell. Yes, dwell on every word of the praise hymns. Think about the writers of the words and the tunes as they crafted a message for you. There are many visuals. Soak them up. Let your heart be open. Think about the many musicians and singers you can hear but not see. Think about their motivation to share their gifts with us.
The sanctuary is mostly darkened, but watch for slight movements. It is a holy place with a holy message, but let your private dwelling place be as holy for just an hour.
There are a few other things you can’t see. You can’t see the small section in front and to the side where a leader is signing for the deaf. It is a beautiful sight to watch the rhythm of the hands conveying the message that others are hearing. There’s are always a few people sitting among the deaf who can hear but are practicing their skills at sign language. I wish you could see the signing in the context of the music.
Why am I so insistent that you not only spend an hour listening and watching but also assuring your environment is such that you won’t be disturbed? Because I am guessing you have not spent an hour alone like this in a very long time. And I know that you need these moments. We all do.
We need to think and to pray. We need to make decisions of all types. We are spread too thin, and we’ve made the decision to let that happen in many cases. We feel pulled in all directions, in control one moment, and enmeshed in chaos the next. There is an image we try to project and protect, but this hour is about surrendering all that stuff to just dwell in the moment so we can be refueled and rejuvenated. And most of all to be at peace knowing we bear nothing alone.
If you are a community leader, by far the majority of my readers, then be sure you watch until it’s all over. And then just envision what your community can be if we only … well … communed and prayed together. Imagine a community that knew the events of the world won’t define them but rather that they are influenced by a Higher Power they draw upon with fervor and sincerity.
So, please take me up on my invitation. I communicate with a lot of people I’ve never met face to face. However, I feel a kinship and really care about your well-being. And I trust that you care about mine.
Many Thanks!
Lewis
Let's Talk About It, Lewis! 