So, this man I sponsored for confirmation recently gave me a lecture about the Daily Office and evangelism. And how I ought to spread the word, help to make it more available in the diocese, tell people that it is a portal into the church. Here is his trajectory: he started attending Evening Prayer, found the rhythm and peace of the service to meet his needs, and then heard some of us talking about our forthcoming confirmation service (think “bread crumbs” for those of you who attended the recent evangelism conference), asked about it for himself, met with clergy and others, and here he is. He’s right, and I’m delighted to share his insight.
C.W. McPherson notes that the service lends “calm and continuity and centering to our chaotic contemporary lives. We find a quiet strength in that, and quiet strength is a rare commodity.” He reminds us that the Daily Office is a discipline in the sense that it is an expression of our discipleship (C.W. McPherson, Grace at this time: praying the Daily Office. Morehouse Publishing, 1999. Pp. viii-ix 264.03 McP). When we read the bible passages, pray the canticles and psalms from the Office, and remember the people in Holy Women, Holy Men our voices are united with others all around the world, past, present and in the future, praying for those we care about and for those we do not know, holding in prayer those who are in pain or danger, learning of the enormous diversity of faithful responses to God’s call.
The Daily Office is a portal into the Church and to our faith. It ties us to our roots, forms us and gives us strength to look to the future. I can spread the word, certainly, but also I can assist congregations in developing training for Worship Leaders. Please contact me if you are interested.
Sue Tait, Librarian
Resource Center
email: resource@ecww.org
phone: 206-325-4200, ext. 2043 or 1-888-488-4978, ext. 2043
