Coming in to the Sacred Space

Early in the morning, as the cuckoo sends its signals, the grass is still wet from dew, and the buzzy bugs are still sleeping, I step out into the small chapel. I can close the door behind me, kneel or sit before an open Bible, with an icon of the living Christ near it. I light some small candles.

I have some prayer books, and my favourite one is a pocket size Orthodox Prayer book. One morning I went through ‘the small Compline’.

The prayers are humble, and I sensed the awe of God, his majesty and his grandeur. “Lord, have mercy,” I prayed. I read the confessions, the prayers, the promises of restoration. I sang from the Psalms.  Christ is the mighty God, the one who holds all things together.

An awe settled upon me, and I was comforted by his grace and mercy. I was sitting there, staring into the icon, the candles, the texts, and I knew He is real; he is there.

I came into the presence of the sacred: I breathed in the presence of the King.

I let my mind wander towards a young friend, one who holds his fist towards God these days, one who wants to be lord of his own life and perhaps have Jesus as his prime minister – or perhaps more like a secretary. As I sat in the presence of the Holy One, I saw the futile fist; it was downright silly. I thought of the ants that have nested by the front door. They rise up on their hind legs and want to fight me. Their little stick- legs wave frantically in the air. I am not afraid. In due time I may have someone professional come and remove them. I am the lord of my house.

The Lord of the Universe sees us.

These days I am awestruck by his majesty; I am a happy and humble soul, knowing full well that without His grace and mercy, I am nothing.

With Him we have confession, forgiveness and restoration.

With Him we have hope, and life way beyond the limits of this earthly existence.

This space is sacred.