Earth is so thick with divine possibility that it is a wonder we can walk anywhere without cracking our shins on altars.
Mostly he just pays attention to the things he sees: trees, fields, warblers, light. As he does, they become doors to other things: grief, love, amazement, blessing.
This kind of blessing prayer is called a benediction. It comes at the end of something, to send people on their way. All I am saying is that anyone can do this. Anyone can ask, and anyone can bless, whether anyone has authorized you to do it or not. All I am saying is that the world needs you to do this, because there is a real shortage of people willing to kneel wherever they are and recognize the holiness holding its sometimes bony, often tender, always life-giving hand above their heads.
all from An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor
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6 Comments
Benediction is one of my favorite words, and absolutely my favorite form of prayer.
I’ve just started this book – thanks to you! – and am just loving it.
Thank you.
XOXO
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Beautiful lines from one of my favorite books. Sending good wishes your way — and hoping your day is one of amazement and blessing.
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Wow – what a powerful quote. I’ve just ordered this book! Thanks so much for sharing the inspiration…
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Beautiful!
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I am reading this now too thanks to one of your earlier posts, and loving it.
“…there is a real shortage of people willing to kneel wherever they are and recognize the holiness…”
That was, and has been, me at times…the ‘un-kneeling’ and it is me completely of late, ‘recognizing the holiness exactly where I am’ – especially while walking fast and listening to Opera. xoxo!
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Oh, those quotes kissed my soul. I have a book by her, but I haven’t had a chance to sit down with it yet. After reading this, I might have to do that tonight.
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