Questions I have about "Thin Places"

What I know: (Author)

1. There is a feeling about a place that we call "thin places" that is thicker and stronger. A sense of something peaceful and yet gloriously alive; of Joy lurking somewhere in the landscape. Molly Wolf

2.According to Celtic Christianity, a thin place is any place where the wall between this material world and the realm of the divine becomes so thin that we can experience a glimpse or a taste of the glory, majesty and love of God. Rev. Dean Snyder

3 In the Celtic tradition such places that give us an opening into the magnificence and wonder of that Presence are called "Thin Places". There is a Celtic saying that heaven and earth are only three feet apart, but in the thin places that distance is even smaller. A thin place is where the veil that separates heaven and earth is lifted and one is able to receive a glimpse of the glory of God. A contmeporary poet Sharlande Sledge gives this description,

"Thin places," the Celts call this space,

Both seen and unseen,

Where the door between the world

And the next is cracked open for a moment

And the light is not all on the other side.

God shaped space. Holy. Author: Sylvia Maddox

More from Sylvia Maddox: There is a Celtic saying that heaven and earth are only 3 feet apart, but in the thin places that distance is even smaller. She goes on to say that a thin place requires us to step from one world to another and that often means traveling to a place where we have less control and where the unpredictable becomes the means of discovery. These sanctuaries of creation help us as John O'donohue writes, "to anchor our longing in the ancient longing of Nature."

4. Christian Celts spoke of "thin places" = places where worlds were particularly close to each other. Places where, if you were quiet enough, you could hear the murmurings of God. Author mentions Jerusalem, he says that caves were votive places. The notion of a holy place, the place where the divine is more than usually accessible, is persistent. He also says that "Pilgrimage is often spoken of as a return to one's own sacred center." Author: Charles Foster

5. Mindy Burgoyne writes in a blog called "When God is Silent". A thin place is a place on earth where the veil between this physical world we experience with our five senses and the eternal world is "thin". The eternal world is more neaer. These "thin places" were not made thin by you or me or anyone else. They are inherently thin, which is a mystery. There is a cosmic, mystical quality to the place itself that transcends the senses. The physical world and the Otherworld (the world of the Divine Presence) are knitted together. Author: Mindy Burgoyne

6. Karl E. Peters, Unitarian Society of Hartford, brings in the idea of Marcus Borg and Teilhard de Chardin who called this the "divine milieu", the divine holy environment. It's always there, but in a few instances, in thin places, it begins to become manifest in our lives more clearly. People, rituals may become thin places, so can small children, and places of worship.

Peters says that Borg states that "thin places" is more than one way a person moves from closed to open heart. One of them is encounters with thin places. It is a Celtic Christian metaphor for coming to contact with the sacred, which is present all around us, but which is hidden from us. Author: Karl E. Peters

New blog is being created on Monday.

When a person gets into blogging, it is amazing what one learns. I did everything wrong and learned by trial and error. I will be closing down this site on Monday but, in the meantime, need to use it to do my daily study. Nothing personal will appear on it about old family stories, etc. for it will be geared more to people who share common interest about things theological and I am finding more of them every day and learning from them.

So, to continue with my research on "Thin Places", I have found Charles Foster's book to be a jumping off place. It activated my mind. What are these thin places where one meets God more easily. Other bloggers and authors about this subject who I find interesting:
Rev. Dean Snyder
Sylvia Maddox
Mark Roberts
Mindie Burgoyne --Ireland's Celtic "thin places". When I was in Ireland, I wish I had known about this. I will check out also the new book I just ordered about North American sites. I also want to find the picture I made in Ireland and check my camera and itinerary for other sites.

Why do you want to go to "thin places?" Mindy Burgoyne, excellent writer but don't know about credentials --seminary and the like--writes in a blog called "When God is Silent." A thin place is a place on earth where the veil between this physical world we experience with our five senses and the eternal world is "thin." The eternal world is more near. These "thin" places were not made thin by you or me--or anyone else. They are inherently thin, which is a mystery. There is a cosmic, mystical quality to the place itself that transcends the senses. The physical world and the Otherworld (the world of the Divine Presence) are knitted together.

Karl E. Peters, Unitarian Society of Hartford--strange source for me brings in the idea of Marcus Borg and his thoughts. I need to check and see if I don't own Borg's book - recommended by Andy Pratt. Peters says that Borg says that "thin places" is more than one way a person moves from closed to open heart. One of them is encounters with thin places.
It is a Celtic Christian metaphor for coming in contact with the sacred, which is present all around us, but which is hidden from us.

He also quotes Teilhard de Chardin, who called this the "divine milieu" the divine holy environment. It's always there, but in a few instances, in thin places, it begins to become manifest in our lives more clearly. People, rituals may become thin places so can small children, and places of worship.

Just called Bev Hickam who will go to lunch with me tomorrow and we can talk about thin places in New Mexico. Also call up de Chardin and check out divine milieu and thin places.

Thin Places

I never really remember hearing the phrase "thin places" until I came upon it while reading the review book of Charles Foster. He says that the early Christian Celts spoke about "thin places" -- places where worlds were particularly close to each other. Places where, if you were quiet enough, you could hear the murmurings of God. Then he goes on to mention Jerusalem, he says that caves were votive places. The notion of a holy place, a place where the divine is more than usually accessible is persistent.

He also says that "Pilgrimage is often spoken of as a return to one's own 'sacred center." To me, this is a place where you meet God. That defines holiness to me. It can be on a plane with 547 passengers and you are in a seat all alone but you feel his presence.

Sylvia Maddox writes: In the Celtic tradition such places that give us an opening into the magnificence and wonder of that Presence are called, "Thin places". There is a Celtic saying that heaven and earth are only three feet apart, but in the thin places that distance in even smaller. A thin place is where the veil that separates heaven and earth is lifted and one is able to receive a glimpse of the glory of God."

She goes on to say that a thin place requires us to step from one world to another and that often means traveling to a place where we have less control and where the unpredictable becomes the means of discovery. These sanctuaries of creation help us as John O'donohue writes, "to anchor our longing in the ancient longing of Nature."

I will read other writers.

Book Review : The Sacred Journey by Charles Foster

I finished the book review today and blogged it to Thomas Nelson. In the blog, I said that there were three points that I wanted to do explore as "shards" of this book.

They are:

l. The idea of "thin places". The early Christian Celts spoke about them--places where world were particularly close to each other. Places where if you were quiet enough, you could hear the murmurings of God. (p. 125 in book)

2. The idea of "synchronicity" (p. 164 in book) It means that when you really need something and often, when you really want something, it is there. It is rightly said that when you pray, coincidences happen.

3. The idea of a trip back to childhood (p. 144 in book) "Every pilgrimage is a journey backward. Every pilgrim's step is a step toward his childhood. And that, in the paradoxical logic of the kingdom, is the only way to go forward. It is only children who inherit the kingdom."

These are exciting thoughts to me. I will continue to explore their meaning to me.

Where to? To Thin Places?

The early Christian Celts spoke about "thin places" -- places where world were particularly close to each other. Places where, if you were quiet enough, you could hear the murmurings of God."
The author says that Jerusalem is one of those places.

I agree. When I was there on tour, I remember my visit to the Jordan River, my Gethsemane visit taking the Lord's Supper, and my outing on the Sea of Galilee. I recall my riding of a camel on the Jericho Road and the trip to the Via Dolorosa where I bought a chalice for Beth Jordan. But, more than that, I remember the trip to the Wailing Wall. I wrote to my mother about all of these experiences. They were places "thin places" where you could hear the murmurings of God.

There are other such places in my life. The author writes, "The notion of a holy place, a place where the diverse is more than usually accessible, is ubiquitous and persistent." There are caves, sacred groves, churches even -- First Baptist Church in Charleston is one of those churches to me. I can't remember Daddy ever preaching there but it is a sacrosanct place to me--we have buried our loved ones in that place. As Arthur Nelson used to sing, "When it's glory unfold, I have riches untold, for I'm laying my treasure up there."

I shall continue to search for "thin places". It means I am alive in Christ. Yesterday I went to Martha Bray's funeral and I sat by John Bierk. I know he is an athiest but I felt sorry for him as the minister talked about "going home". I sort of wanted to ask him, "Where are you going?" and will you know it when you arrive.

Camus, Sartre, Proust and other intellectuals who defeat me...

I am reading two books at one time--strangely they are interwoven. "The Sacred JOurney" by Charles Foster, which I am reviewing for Thomas Nelson, and "The Shell Seekers" by Rosamunde Pilcher. I ordered it after seeing it on television Hallmark with Angela Lansbury as the lead. It is all about pilgrimage.

I am reading and thinking. The idea of pilgrimage is breathtaking and absurd, at the same time. I am like so many people I know who are not finding a sense of God in the churches of today; and yet, is this all there is--old song by Peggy Lee. Penelope in The Shell Seekers is a woman who has tied herself to the past but is fiercely independent about her present. She holds on to her father's painting because it is who she is --not because of the money that it is worth for others to talk about.

The Sacred Journey is the same.
Lines:
"There is a 100% encounter rate on a pilgrimage."
"Reclaim the ability to be taken by surprise, and you'll see it there, glistening so brightly you will never believe you could have missed it."
"But what sets the pilgrim apart from the list-ticker is that he hopes, and at some level believes, that someone will hear his footsteps coming from afar, and as he approaches the threshold, that person will open the door and bid him to come in and eat.'

Bias to the Wanderer

I never thought how much that the story of God is tied up with wanderings--From Abraham (why didn't God call a 'local' boy) to Christ calling his followers to follow him--leave their nets and go into a place where they had not been before. Enchanting luring thought. C. S. Lewis said that there is really only one law: everyone always gets what he wants. I have to think this over. Maybe that is in the end. It reminded me of the Wandering Jew plant and its connection to this story.

Another line connects: "The penalty for wanting to be a settler is that you become one. Pillars of salt don't go on exhilarating marches from well to well."
"We live but a fraction of our lives."

This is a book that makes the reader want to grasp more of life.

The Sacred Journey by Charles Foster

In the midst of reading another book I purchased from book store, I had to change my writing and thinking to this one since I needed to review it. I did not expect it to be good but it has all kinds of good thoughts including the idea of pilgrimage. In the forward, it says that Pilgrimage is always the last of the seven to be named for two reasons: "It is organizational and it is cautionary." and the author adds, "it is the most dangerous of the seven." "Either way, nothing is ever the same with pilgrimage. Beware." Foster adds, "Pilgrimage, whatever else it does, completely undoes certainty."

Other lines of the author that caused me to underline:
"Traveling is fundamental to the definition and the psyche of human beings."
"Christian pilgrimage can and should be a walk with Jesus."
"Physical pilgrimage involves bodies, blisters, hunger and diahrrea. And it's a kingdom activity."
"Arrival is less important than the journey."
"Ecstasy isn't of the essence of relationship. But expect things to happen."
"As conventional churchgoing plummets, the number of people taking to the road rises."
"Every conversion story in the N. Testament is a launch party for a new travel book."

And on to Chapter 3. This is a book worth reading.

There is something good about routine.

Routines are necessary to build a spiritual life. People of faith have routinely turned from their daily chores to a time of prayer, or a time of fasting or a time of worship or as the author says, 'an intentional experience of discomfort, dislocation and intensity..." Rebirth or revival comes from a conference, pilgrimage,retreat or something that indicates a calling for change. It turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.

I no longer have any routine in building a spiritual life since I don't go to church. I need to think about this and how to find a regularity. I was in church for a memorial service yesterday and it felt good to hear the piped in music and listen to a minister. I am searching, however, for a regularity with meaning--not regularity for it's own sake.

Seven ancient spiritual practices

There are seven ancient spirit practices according to Brian McLaren: fixed hour prayer, fasting, Sabbath, the sacred meal, pilgrimage, observance of sacred seasons and giving and fasting. All of these are reflected in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Abraham, a father figure in all three religions, began with a journey into the unknown. Most religions are at their best when they are on a journey, not settled on the throne of power. Comfort and power can become great enemies of true spirituality and true humanity, says McLaren.

Finding our way again by Brian McLaren

I am going on with the Ancient Practices Series but no longer using Daddy's sermons but my own thoughts. His first thought which grabbed me was: "Those who reject religion are often rejecting a certain arid system of belief, or if not that, a set of trivial taboos or rules or rituals that have lost meaning for them --each the thin residue of a lost way of life."McLaren goes on that people say that they are searching for spirituality--something that fuses the sacred and the secular and it does not seem to be found in either the organized church or the science laboratory. "We need an everyday sacredness," says the author. Nor is it to be found in New Age or Fundamentalism. We may need to study again the ancient practices of faith.

I pray, how long has this been going on?

Whether I pray the "divine office" or whether others have called it this along the way, prayers have been going on since creation began. I went to Ireland last year and I thought I would find priests like Barry Fitzgerald on every corner. I was amazed to find that in the whole of Ireland, last year, only one new priest was installed. Do people pray less, need fewer people to hear what they are not saying, or what? To understand prayer, one needs to start with the prayer warriors of the past and then decide if it is worth the doing or just a crock of heritage that can be discarded along with the other religious traditions that no longer serve the present generation. Each of us must make that journey for herself.

VERSICLE: "I will not hesitate to remind you of these things again and again, although you already know them. I think it right to keep refreshing your memory." St. Peter
VENITE: "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence." Psalm 139
COLLECT: (Formal prayer) As we look at the saints of prayer, Lord, let us resolve to follow in their footsteps, even if our knees never become blistered and our throat never becomes raw. Help us to find peace and purpose in the listening. Help us to find joy in the telling. Keep us at the task and responsibility. Help us to know that it is our time; we have come to thy Kingdom at this time. Amen.
CANTICLE: (Hymn of Praise) "Whisper a Prayer"
Come, linger here with the Master, Come with your burden and care.
Come with your sins and temptations, Whisper, o whisper a prayer.
Whisper a prayer, whisper a prayer, Bring him your burden, bring him your care;
Wait calmly here, Jesus is near, Whisper a prayer, whisper a prayer.

READING OF THE MESSAGE: "The Revival in True Prayer"
Text: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." Psalm 66:18
Introduction:
Prayer is essential. Jesus prayed. What a contrast we present today!
Can a person receive the supernatural, you ask?
Elijah held the key for 3 years, 6 months. Paul and Silas shook the prison.
Churches select the wrong solution of their difficulties.
Foundations for prayer:
James says that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. What constitutes an effectual prayer? Our hearts must be clean. David said, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me."
The spirit is sensitive. Once the lights went out in Boston. Faithful found that a nail had divided the current. A man in New York was paralyzed by pressure on one single nerve. Our power may be destroyed by prejudice. Maybe a sin of unforgiveness. We must forsake our sins and make restitution where possible. May have wronged somebody's good name; may have injured someone in substance.
We must labor as we pray:
Joshua did both at the Jordan.
As we pray for a sinner, we must work for his salvation.
Our work and prayer must be consistent.
We must be persistent, and submissive. We must be willing to follow Christ all the way and say, "Not my will but thine be done."

"Words, words, words"

Being the youngest of eight children who were very verbal, I learned quickly about words. I learned that the meaning was not always clear. For instance, my brother, Jim, four years older, used these expressions with me: "You wear garments" and I would protest; or "Janie hesitated on the bathroom floor" and I would protest. I also learned quickly that there was no eleventh commandment in the Bible, "Thou shalt not rat on sisters and brethren." I became fascinated by words and still am. In my professional world, I learned to use the correct word and even used my knack for diagramming a sentence when in doubt. Some of my cohorts praised me by saying that I could tell a person to go to hell and make that person look forward to the trip.
That is a little accurate but a little strong. But words can cut to the quick and expand horizons faster than deeds, at times.

Benson writes: "I have discovered that sometimes someone else's words are better than my own. There is something to be said for listening to something other than our own sweet selves, something to be said for having to find and be found by God inside the words of prayer and worship that have been offered up by God's own for centuries."

VERSICLE: "In the beginning was the Word." (Gospel of John)
VERITE: "I started to sense that words not only convey something, but are something; that words have color, depth, texture of their own, and the power to evoke vastly more than they mean...to make things happen inside the one who reads and hears them." Frederick Buechner
COLLECT (corporate prayer) Lord, we ask for the experience of holy words to flood our minds and hearts today in worship. Blind us to those things that keep us from seeing you and deafen us to worldly distractions. Let us hear what you are saying to us today. Amen.
CANTICLE (Hymn of praise) "Open My Eyes, That I May See"
Open my eyes, that I may see Glimpses of truth thou hast for me!
Place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee. Ready my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me. Spirit Divine.

READING OF THE MESSAGE (Daddy's) "Hearing God Speak"
Text: "I will...hear what God the Lord will speak." Psalm 85:8
Introduction:
l. On hearing God. Might expect that from David. Bible has warm place for hearing; not so much for talking.
2. Celestial beings were once thought to have been constantly concerned with the welfare of people. Celestia beings once interested man. Stars names and heavens mapped before man even knew that the blood circulated. Calamities were messengers.
3. New Testament brought in the spiritual meaning.
4. Danger of the modern day is natural law. Might forget God existed. The whole world is filled with messengers. People are hearing. We hear other things, friends, family.
5. This is a great Psalm. Wonderful spirit about it. God had been favorable. Healed land. Turned away his wrath. Spirit of revival is upon us. Now, Lord, we will listen to you. Need to get up. Upper room is significant.

I. One interpretation is to find God in nature. And God is in nature. Waterfall, singing birds, flowers, majesty of the mountains. Heavens declare the glory of God. Earth is handiwork. But this is merely the mortal. Not down to heart. Cannot reach the blackness of sin. Man must have something else to speak forgiveness to him.
II. But God speaks directly to people.
In the Bible, a "personal" letter;
In prayer, through the Holy Spirit
Through consecrated living - opportunities;
Conscience -mental suggestions'
Providences.
III. Then there are some things that man must wait for God to tell him about:
What he wants a person to do.
Man's relationship with his fellowman.
God must tell man what is wrong with him. Sin.
God must tell man what will be his destiny. God will speak. Man needs to hear; man can understand.
IV. God teaches what man needs to know. God has the word that man needs to hear.
Good cheer
Security and assurance
Definite promise
Forgiveness
Friendship
V. Some things man needs to hear:
Needs to be born again,
How to live
How to die, the secret.
VI. We need the lesson from the Psalmist:
Must be willing to hear.
Willing to obey, never forced.
Must not determine what God will say.
Make hearing a common occurrence. Moses on the desert.
Our duty after hearing --
Lord, what will thou have me to do?
Lord, send me.

What is my prayer for the day? Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where can I be of service? How do I find the words that I will need to say except for your leading? How can I go without a shepherd? Make me as one of your servants. Amen.

Praying Alone Together--A Benson chapter

Resolutions are everywhere as we face a new year. Exercise equipment is being dusted off and health food stores are being invaded. We are shaping up. As we face the turmoil, we must also shape up in our spiritual lives and many, including me, are resolving to meet God in a new way. For me, it is praying the office. I don't want to invite a group or make all these scheduling dates. I just want to do it. So I have to show up....alone....and feel on some days that it was worth the doing. That means turning off the television and scheduling a time --o ye of many lists! Benson says we should have a time or a place or something that will draw the person to the person to the act of "praying the office". Now I am trying to schedule two times a day--morning and evening--in the family room in front of the turned off television with the computer turned on. I love the visual rather than the audio. I want to see the notes and rethink them. To me that is holy note-taking. It is me talking with God and noting the thoughts. I can't believe that this is not my way!

VERSICLE: This is my prayer: that your love may grow richer and richer in knowledge and insight of every kind and may teach you by experience what things are most worthwhile." St. Paul
VENITE: The prayer of the office is in the community of saints. The Rule of Taize
COLLECT: (Formal or corporate prayer) Lord, in this quiet moment, speak to each of us who strive to be a community of saints, in a new, fresh way. Teach us to be risk-takers and referees; teach us to be life preservers and lamps to guide those around us. But above all, teach us to be faithful to the task of prayer daily. Amen.
CANTICLE: (Hymn of praise) "Sweet Hour of Prayer"
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care.
And bids me at my Father's throne. Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief.
And oft escaped the temptor's snare, by thy return, sweet hour of prayer.

READING OF THE MESSAGE: (Daddy's) "Building God's Temple"
Text: "The gold for things of gold and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work of work to be made by the hands of artisans. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord." l Chronicles 29:5
Introduction:
David wanted to build a house for God, but it was denied him. While a great disappointment to him, he rose above it.
I. Background of the appeal
Insufficiency of Solomon. People can make or break him.
Greatness of work --cooperation, God's need of man.
The work is the Lord's --not Solomon's.
II. Tabernacle from Exodus to monarchy.
David lived in cedar-lined house.
David gathered materials, could not build temple.
Timbers and stones sought. Hiram
Prepared in hills: "not sound of hammer"
Dimensions given.
Tells us to do work according to plan; do it in your place.
It takes commitment, action, service and our best.

My prayer for the day: Lord, help me understand and incorporate this message into my resolution to pray the "daily office". Help me remember that while I do not have the role of building temples physically, I have the responsibility to build my own inner temple and to seek you in a personal way. Hold me up when I falter. Amen.

Rome wasn't built in a day.

Rome wasn't built in a day. A book wasn't written in a day. The Divine Office of Prayer was not built in a day but in small, small steps. We used to play a game on the front steps at home when I was a child called Giant Steps/baby steps, scissors steps. The leader would call out the kind of step and the first person to make it to the finish line won the game. There was a soldier step also but I can't remember much more about it except I always wanted to win.
Robert Benson addresses this dilemma: "You do not become a person of prayer and then begin to pray. If you say enough prayers, you may yet become a person of prayer. But you will not become one if you do not pray."

Benson likens the journey to the writer who has to go into the office, close the door and begin the task at hand. Same with the pray-er. Brother Roger has some advice: "Believe in the presence of Christ within you, even though you feel no tangible response."

VERSICLE: "Incline your ear, and come unto me." Isaiah 55
VENITE: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts." Psalm 139
COLLECT: (Formal prayer, corporate prayer) Hear our prayer, O Lord, and know our thoughts today. May we take our burdens to you, lay them on the altar, and leave them there. Relieve us of our burdens and teach us to trust. Amen.
CANTICLE: (Hymn of Praise) "Pass me Not"
Pass me not, O Gentle Savior, hear my humble cry,
While on others thou art calling, Do not pass me by.
Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry,
While on others thou art calling, Do not pass me by.

READING OF THE MESSAGE (Daddy's) "Seeing the Invisible"
Text: And Elisha prayed and said, "Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes that he may see." II Kings 6:17
Introduction:
Syria is in campaign against Israel. King thinks he has a traitor in his camp.
Servant advised that Elisha is the cause of Israel knowing his plans.
King sent a great host to capture Elisha.
Servant sees host, reports to Elisha. Elisha prayed the text, "Open his eyes and let him see."
Man has been taught to see the best things. They say the greatest things are invisible.
Best things in life cannot be expressed in prose. Listen to Tennyson about an eagle:
He clasps the crag with crooked hands, close to the sun, in lonely lands,
Ringed with the azure world, he stands
The wrinkled sea beneath him crawls;
He matches from his mountain walls.
And, like a thunderbolt, he falls.

I. First lesson is what we see dominates lives and interprets God to all of us.
1. Backward. Good lessons. "He who looks back is not fit..."
2. Look around us and we sink. Peter on water. Ten spies in Canaan.
3. Look to Jesus and man is saved. Serpent in the wilderness
4. Look heavenward and man is uplifted. Brightens up.

II. Man seeing the invisible --explains some of his habits and customs.
l. Going to church. Not for popularity. Not business. He sees something that other people do not see.
2. Praying. Ask and it shall be given. For himself, neighbors, unsaved world. Prays to find God.
3. Read the Scriptures. Not entertainment.
4. Honest, tell the truth.
5. Come out in the open with your spirituality and profession of faith.
When we open our eyes, help comes that we did not see, "Mountain was full of horses and chariots.' Same is true of other things.

What is my prayer for today? I pray, God, that I will sincerely seek this pilgrimage. I know that my steps have faltered, and even failed and failed to make the mark. I ask for strength and courage along the way as I reach out to grasp the invisible steps which befall me. Amen.

W. H. Auden and all of the giants I have never read

This morning I read a quote from W. H. Auden: "An artist must develop a strict consciousness in regard to time. For we must never forget that we are living in a time of seige." This was quoted by Benson in reference to making sure to make time for the "Daily Office". I love the web because it brings you in the information world presto. When I read the name of someone, I go to the web and find out all the data, who is friends were, etc. I read that C. S. Lewis was his greatest admirer and his friends were renowned in theological fields. And somehow, they found time to pray and be inspired and to inspire readers when they were led, years later, to their websites. Irony.

VERSICLE: "Can you not wait one hour with me?" Jesus of Nazareth
VENITE: "I will hear what God the Lord will speak; for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints, but let them not turn again to folly." Psalm 85
COLLECT: (Formal prayer/corporate prayer)
Our Father, let the words of thy followers stream down into our hearts, no matter the method and response, and breathe into them a new message of hope and understanding. Teach us the patience to listen and give us joy in that listening. Amen.
CANTICLE: (Hymn of praise) "Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire"
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, Unuttered or expressed;
The motion of a hidden fire That trembles in the breat.
Prayer is the simplest form of speech that infant lips can try;
Prayer the sublimest strains that reach the majesty on high.

READING OF THE MESSAGE (Daddy's) "Choice"
Text: "See, I have set before you this day life and good, death and evil." Deut. 30:1-5
Introduction:
Last words of Moses
Last words remembered:
McKinley: "It is God's will. Lead thou me on amidst encircling gloom."
Dwight Moody: "Earth is receding; heaven is opening."
Spurgeon: "O God, if there is a sinner left in all the earth, send someone to him."
Fuller: "Who will preach Christ now?"
John Adam: "Independence forever".
Trainman: "I am on the downgrade and I cannot find the brakes."
Points:
1. All must make choices
It is a great privilege.
Christ wants all. If we ar lost, it will not be his fault.
Choice inevitable.
2. We must choose between two lives.
The old and the young lawyers.
3. Choice between two deaths.
4. Choice between two worlds -- 2 homes.

What is my prayer for today? I pray today, Lord, for the choices I need to make today. I think of the story of Blind Mary who lived in the area that had to be cleared by dynamite to prevent flooding and Daddy was head of the Red Cross, who was charged with the responsibility of evacuating the spillway. He went by boat and told her she had to leave and she took her cane and hit it around the side of the rudimentary hut. He asked her what she was doing and she answered, "Brother Cooper, I have to find out what the Lord wants me to do today." He said that that simple act taught him much about daily faith. Make me a Blind Jane in faith to go where thou wouldst have me go and do. Amen.