the rhythm of everyday liturgy

today i went to service with a very close friend of mine. i haven't been to a liturgical service in many years. there are some beautiful elements of this expression of faith.

today we read responsively psalm 90. i think i was more engaged in this portion of the service than anything else, besides communion. i loved reading in response with others the desperate cry of Moses as he laments for himself and the people of God. the practical expression of faith displayed in the congregation engaging the sacred text with one another is so beautiful.

i left service and made my way home. as i drove i thought, as beautiful as the service was, if that is it, just one hour of one day once a week, no wonder so many people have walked away from church buildings and church services. if church is only about going to a place, or attending a service, or listening to someone speak, how does that really intersect our daily life?

i have been thinking more and more about the people in whom i have unplanned routine contact with, and yet i have no meaningful conversation with them. i have also been thinking about the many people who are wandering around this city asking themsleves, where are the "real ones"; the real ones who want to serve and love God and naturally display that devotion in service to others.

therefore i must pray the words that have been prayed for generations by those who hope that the divine is best seen in the ordinary events of the average day:

"Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh!Keep me from stupid sins,from thinking I can take over your work; Then I can start this day sun-washed,scrubbed clean of the grime of sin." psalm 19:13 the message

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. " psalms 19:14 NIV

And so the service continues today as i move onto the next expression of faith in my everyday liturgy: kickball in the yard with the neighborhood kids!

peace to you