Praying with Ancient Words

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Later this month I will celebrate being ordained for 20 years, which is staggering to me until I remember the churches I've served, and the many life-giving relationships I've had over the years. There have been challenges of course. As Sturgill Simpson sings, "Ain't all flowers...ain't all light."  That's true in any work, and ultimately I feel fortunate and that it is a privilege to have been called into this work of tending a cure of soul. One of my mentors advised me when I was discerning my calling: "You can't be a young priest if you wait until later in life to go to seminary..." He had been a young priest, which informed how he lived out his vocation as an older priest. I understood his meaning, so off I went. 

Canterbury Cathedral

When I graduated from seminary, I was interested in liturgical reform and finding fresh expressions of our ancient form of worship. I was never really into big flashy bands or use of the newest technology in worship; I did had the pleasure, though, of leading worship in the Rothko Chapel in Houston with a full band unfolding new rhythms from favorite classic hymns as we celebrated Holy Eucharist amidst those haunting canvases. 

In my years as a priest, I was not interested in what we call "Rite I" language. In our Book of Common Prayer, 1979, the revisers had the wisdom to include both modern language options, and "Rite I", traditional language options associated with our historical roots in England whence the King James Version of the Bible originated. Today, I value the poetry of that more ancient prayer language, though Rite I still challenges my East Texas tongue as I articulate words like "liveth",  "reigneth", and one of my favorites, "thither." We use Rite I at our Tuesday noon service; a small gathering of the faithful. It has become one of my favorite services (they are all my favorite.) There, with two or three gathered, instead of a sermon, we read the commemoration of one of the saints to be inspired by their life and ministry. 

The young priest I once was needed to explore novelty and bump against boundaries while I was being formed and guided by mentors and congregations. I hope my journey of maturing in my vocation continues, even while I hope other young Episcopal priests and pastors of various denominations pick up the charge of finding fresh expressions! That experience shaped who I am, and I value the diversity of ways we can adore God through worship. 

So, sometimes with modern language, and sometimes with ancient, we worship and pray for the church and the world. We pray for Port Aransas, particularly for those who work while we worship, and all who are unable to attend. We bid thou knowest, amidst thy varied daily occupations, ye art held lovingly in  prayer of a faithful few as has been done since the dawn of age; Christ's light shineth on, who liveth and reigneth forever and ever. 

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