The Mystery of God in Liturgy and Worship

Many folks don't like the use of incense during corporate worship, yet it is such a powerful reminder of the mystery of God. The smoke rising to the ceiling of the church represents our prayers rising to meet God in heaven. The smell of the incense permeates the walls and the tapestries providing another avenue to experience the presence of God.

I love the use of incense during the Holy Eucharist. For me the smoke surrounding the altar reminds me of God's Holy presence on Mount Sinai, and the thick dark cloud that covered his mysterious presence, hiding his face from the Children of Israel.

The Sanctus Bell being rung at the peak moments in the Eucharistic Prayer is another wonderful reminder that Christ is present in the breaking of the bread and consecration of the wine. Our auditory senses are touched; our olfactory senses are touched; our very being is touched through the rhythm and motion of the liturgy.

As an Episcopal priest, it is my sincere belief that we need to revive holy mystery in our liturgy and worship. We are a sacramental people made to experience God's presence through all of our senses. Christ is incarnational and part of all things created by God. There is a certain reverence in this mystery of faith that grounds us as Christians and generates a very real perception of awe as we consider God's vast and Omnipotent presence.

I invite your thoughts and prayers to this maiden voyage of my Blog. In the days and weeks to come I hope to use this site as a platform for prayer, theological reflection, spiritual devotion and ecclesiastical discussion.