Holy Eucharist is the center of our worship every week. Sure, people enjoy the sermon (sometimes…hopefully) and the prayers of the people are meaningful for us. But it really comes down to communion; to eating the body and blood of Jesus Christ that was given freely so that we might have eternal life. That holy moment is just that: holy. Yet, many Sundays I have the feeling that communion is rushed. Maybe the sermon went long (oops) or there’s something coming after church that causes us to hurry. Whatever the case, sometimes those precious seconds spent at the rail aren’t enough.
At my last place of worship, the priest there instituted a practice that I adored. After communion, the people would segue back to their seats via the side chapel. Whichever clergy weren’t administering the sacraments that day would be sitting there, and anyone who felt the need could stop and pray with them. We’d pray aloud sometimes, and in other moments we’d simply sit and be together in silence while the rest of communion was distributed. Those were thin spaces for me, moments where I felt God’s gentle embrace. And I miss them.
Enter Sandra Capelle. A few months ago, we began talking about the pull she felt toward prayer for others. She asked me if I was interested in the possibility of offering prayer throughout the service, and I told her about the previous church’s practice. Together, we shared in a God sighting—a moment that God spoke to both of us through our vision of desiring more prayer during an already holy situation.
Beginning this Sunday, you will be able to share in that moment, too. Sandra and whichever of the clergy who is not administering communion will be sitting in the side chapel during the Eucharist. After you receive communion, you are encouraged (yet not mandated!) to venture over and pray with them if the Spirit so moves you. I hope you will find this as holy a moment as I have in the past, and that it further feeds you in your spiritual journey. If you choose not to partake, I hope you’ll glance over and pray for those who do. Either way, Jesus is worshiped and we’re just that much closer to walking in the glow of the Holy Spirit.
Happy Thanksgiving, all. We have much for which to be thankful, and much for which to pray. In both instances, I want you to know that you’re always on my heart and your names escape my lips in my own prayers and thanksgivings. I can’t imagine being anywhere else. So in thanksgiving, I say thank you for letting me be your priest and thank you for being my family.
Faithfully,
Fr. Sean+