A snippet from Everyday Liturgy. It will be interesting to see where the swing toward liturgy ends up. Will liturgies become localized?
Here's my thoughts two years into a major liturgical conversion in my life.
I was tired of learning and arguing about the Bible, I wanted to live the Bible.
I was bored with church for the sake of church, I wanted church to have a higher value in my life.
I began to see that "mere rememberance" is dry and routine, and that true worship was found in living sacramentally.
I didn't want to just read the Word, I wanted to eat the Word.
I was learning checklist prayers were juvenile, and that prayers of metaphor, imagery, allusion, and devotion are better ways for God to commune with you and you with God.
I was troubled by the deification of the Bible at the detriment of the congregation.
I was bothered by our willing denial and disregard for the Apostles' words to have communion every time we gather together.
I was unsatisfied with knowledge so I began to desire wisdom.
I was weary of Christendom and a desire for political power, I wanted a Kingdom.
I was annoyed by the dichotomy of clergy/laity, I wanted to be a priest along with other believers.
I was a bit nostalgic.
I was pondering ways to not feel so disconnected with God from Monday to Saturday. Upping my "quiet time" minutes didn't help. Prayer and meditation did.
I was looking for God beyond the Word, and I am finding him in the garden, in the church, in the field, in the workplace, in carrides, in contemplation, in busyness, and in constant prayer.
There are many of us on this road? Are you one? Do you think they will listen?
Sean,
I really like this post! I am certainly on this road. I can relate to everything you say here and have very similar thoughts. Good stuff!!
Posted by: Andy Wilson | Friday, September 26, 2008 at 02:35 PM