Sandra Heska King

daring to open doors

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a sacred pause: a prayer experience

March 7, 2013 By Sandra Heska King

prayer 6

I climb up the back steps, push open the door, walk past the library on my right, past the sanctuary on my left, through the parlor lit only by stained glass windows. The chapel, on the right, is set up. Nobody else is here.

I’ve come to complete an assignment, a challenge to check off for our Lenten small group study.

At the entrance is a music stand that supports instruction sheets for this prayer experience. I take one and then slip into the second pew. I’m thinking about what’s on my list after I’m done.

I get up, walk around, take pictures. Remind myself to remind my husband that he needs to “do” this before Sunday.

prayer 1

prayer 7

prayer 8

Finally, I settle down and read the instructions.

Stage One: As a prelude to prayer, read James 5:13-20. I pull out a pew Bible and read–once, twice, three times.

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. ~James 5:16 (NIV)

I think about the words, then read the instructions again. I’m supposed to spend some time in confession, and so I spill things I spilled in the past. But wait… it’s supposed to be a recent sin. That’s easy. Grace couldn’t sleep last night. Therefore, getting her up this morning was not pretty. I was anything but patient, anything but quiet.

I breathe deep, release the tension, accept forgiveness.

Stage Two: Ask God to heal the emotions, self-esteem, or any other damage you’ve inflicted. (Why is it so much easier to pray for others?)

Stage Three: Near the vine-covered cross is a small basket with little pieces of paper. Write down a prayer request for yourself, fold or roll it, and tuck it within the vines. Pray about it.

prayer 2

prayer 10

prayer 3

Stage Four: Light a candle to represent someone in your life for whom you are praying. I have many someones, but I focus on one who lies heavy.

Stage Five: Two journals lay on the railing. In the one on the left, write a specific prayer request you have for this church. I’m on my knees now, reading and praying through other requests. I linger here, then formulate my own. I write.

In the journal on the right, enter a specific request for our community.

Stage Six: Step up on the platform and serve yourself communion from the elements found in the basket.

prayer 4

prayer 5

I pick up one of the little cups and take it back to the front pew. I hold it for a long time, think about those who celebrated before me, think about the words of Jesus.

“This is my body given for you…do this in remembrance of me.”

I tear off the top, lift out the wafer.

It’s broken.

I eat.

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood poured out for you.”

For you…

For you…

I drink.

I sit in this sacred pause a while longer.

And then I walk down the aisle, back through the parlor, down the steps, to the Journey.

I return home.

I’ve forgotten about my to-do list.

Stilled,

Sandy

Linking with April Yamasaki’s blog carnival.

 

aprilyamasaki.com

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Filed Under: stories and reflections

Comments

  1. Linda says

    March 7, 2013 at 8:50 pm

    Sandy, you have a gift for bringing us right into the story. I felt the peace settle in my heart.

    • Sandra says

      March 10, 2013 at 8:12 am

      Linda, you have the gift of encouragement.

  2. Cecilia Marie Pulliam says

    March 7, 2013 at 8:51 pm

    Beautiful Lenten prayer practice, Sandy. Your description lifted us up as well. We should all see moments like yours during this season of reflection.

    • Sandra says

      March 10, 2013 at 8:19 am

      It was quite meaningful. Love to you today, friend.

  3. Martha Orlando says

    March 8, 2013 at 10:57 am

    As I read this Sandy, I felt as though I were going through this experience with you. This is one of the most beautiful Lenten moments I have ever read about. Thank you for sharing so freely and personally.
    Blessings!

    • Sandra says

      March 10, 2013 at 8:21 am

      Oh, thank you, Martha. That somehow what my words would draw others in and lift them up–that’s my biggest prayer. You’ve blessed me today.

  4. Duane Scott says

    March 8, 2013 at 11:08 am

    Oh, I want to come with you next time. 🙂

    • Sandra says

      March 10, 2013 at 8:21 am

      C’mon!

  5. JoAnne Potter says

    March 8, 2013 at 1:45 pm

    Would so like to go to this place. Where is it?
    Also, would like to get a closer look at how they package their communion elements. That is a great idea.

    • Sandra says

      March 10, 2013 at 8:26 am

      This is the chapel in our church, JoAnne. They’re called something like individual communion wafer and juice sets. You can find them online. I’m sure our pastor prayed over the basket.

  6. April Yamasaki says

    January 11, 2014 at 1:20 pm

    Dear Sandy, I don’t know how I missed commenting on your post when it first appeared, but I’m glad your comments are still open so I can add this belated thank you. Thank you for being part of my blog carnival and for this beautiful post, for being a guest on my blog and an inspiration and encouragement as I began and continue my blogging journey. I’ve recently joined Pinterest and wanted to add your beautiful post there, and that’s how I noticed I hadn’t commented earlier. Your words and photos are wonderful.

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