Corporate Prayer
Resonating round was the song being sung. Verse after verse in unison the congregation joined as one. One could not escape the vibrations as the chords both vocal and instrumental were tuned to the music before us.
The little ones beneath the pews reached for a book in order to partake. Never mind the words remained upside down—when one is following anything but the notes, it matters not. They would grow into it. For now, imitating that which was before them was important and they reached for it to the best of their ability. Every so oft, not so soft like, a hymnal would land with a thud upon the floor. To this sound, the parishioners glanced not sideways, as all were thankful little hands were presenting themselves in prayer as they understudied those beside them.
A little taller stood the grade schoolers all schooled close by the sides of those who brought them. No small feat it was, for they could now not only read, but sing that which was familiar. Lips were in sync with those surrounding them and add to the mix—they did.
The teens were focused as in singularly so. No giggles were noted, just voices raising an Alleluia as they now led reaching notes the elderly no longer could. High and low were the tones coming forth and although they stood congregated all in the same pew as one—astute they were to what it was they were called to at the moment. Twas a moment of intimacy as each one held their own, having their own private discourse with their Maker. A sight to behold it was.
Young married couples stood arm to arm, offering their prayer in song. All stages and ages of adults presented themselves and adding to that which was being sung. Holy, holy, holy—Lord God Almighty, all the earth shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea…so goes one song but not sure that’s what was sung. Tis all the same, you know. Tis all one big prayer prayed in corporate manner and lest it be missed—tis prayer indeed. And thus, we gather.
We gather to unite as one—to praise His name. We gather and if you are not one who has been gathering, you are invited in. Yes, enter in. Enter into the uncomfortable (if it is) until it becomes comfortable. Enter in oft so that when you do miss on occasion, you truly miss it. It is a time where “He knows our needs before we even ask,” and thus, we come (Matt. 6:8). We come as we are—you are invited to just come. All who gather come broken from wreckage of the week. From one Sunday to the next, it can seem like ages have passed as the world creeps into the marrow—on into places we never knew it would. And thus, we come. A broken people we are and that’s how the Light gets in.
- Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
- Psalm 51:17 says, “…a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
- Psalm 3147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
As you enter in, don’t miss the corporate prayer you, too, are a part of as you sing as unto the Lord. Amen.
Kathleen Kjolhaug
This article was first published in Theology in the Trenches, a column written by Kathleen Kjolhaug. Posted with permission. Read more articles on her blog, Theology in the Trenches.
