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Toronto, ON
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reflections and sermons posted here are the work of individual members of Holy Trinity. Opinions expressed are those of the writer or preacher and do not necessarily reflect an official or even popular opinion within the parish.
The Call to Prayer
SARA BOYLES
I am currently reading the novel "Sweetness in the Valley" by Camilla Gibb and am struck by the daily practices of Islam. Five times a day there are prayers. Weekly there are trips to the mosque. Between there are trips to the shrines. Children learn the sacred texts by rote, writing them in their hearts and minds. They are schooled in the Koran and its teachings. Everyone (who is important in the story) becomes a scholar.
It made me sad that the everyday practices of my religious tradition have been buried or overlooked by me and I suspect by others. It is still my usual custom to say a blessing over food but not at breakfast when I grab some yoghurt and fruit from the frig and eat them on the run. Likewise at lunch when I grab a bite at the cafe and gulp at down on the way to somewhere else. I could likely say the same for my practice of daily prayer. While my tradition frames a form of prayer for daily use (morning and evening are most readily accessible) I do not always take advantage of the riches buried inside. I suspect I am not alone.
We can argue that form without substance is hollow and meaningless but have we really given form a chance? Have we explored other forms? Have we truly dived into the scriptures on a quest for meaning and truth? How do we as a community come together for prayers and learning other than on a Sunday or Wednesday noon? I would love to do common prayer with a group of people even if we are scattered across the city as we pray. Would we sense the common bond? Would it make us more attentive to the intimate connections between the living Word and ourselves as we meet with each other in this way?
If you are interested in such an experiment let me know and we could try forming a prayer cluster. The incense might be the smell of our morning tea or coffee. The place may be of a quiet spot in our own home. The material simple and uncomplicated. The goal, to connect with God and ourselves (you can't have one without the other).
There are many seasons in our lives and what I am suggesting may best suit one season more than another. The glory of seasons is that one group can do prayer work for another. Sometimes we are too hassled to stop, particularly if there are young children around or if we have a depleting need. We need someone to fill in when we cannot. I am reminded of "Warrior Song" that the Echo women sang several years ago about the self centred ways of a young woman who grew by stages into a warrior woman, fighting for the rights of others.
Allow yourself to be filled this week with the power of God who does marvellous things in us and through us.
Sara November 30, 1999 |
