There we were, in my parents’ backyard which was also the backyard of our church. The band was on the wooden stage built for summer worship gatherings just like this one, and our invited guest was preaching boldly. He prayed that we might enter into a deeper freedom in worship and pray in new ways.
He called for anyone who wanted to be prayed over. I thought myself humble enough to go forward—as an example, of course. So, there I knelt awaiting my prayer. As the preacher hovered his hands over my head, my face hit the ground faster than I could say “Amen” or “No, thanks!” or anything really.
I was used to praying comfortably—sitting, standing, or kneeling in a pew with a cushioned kneeler. But there I was down on the dirt, flat on my face, and all I could do was worship. The Lord was moving and speaking in that make-shift backyard church, amid the grass, crickets, and fireflies. We were awe-stuck by His sudden visitation.
As I prayed in a new way, the words of the prophet Malachi resounded in my body that night, “Who can stand when He appears?” (Malachi 3:2)
I can imagine that Simeon and Anna felt something even greater. They waited in the temple day after day for the promised Christ. Their elation must have been great as they saw Joseph and Mary bring in the Child Jesus. Simeon took Jesus in his arms, blessed God, and prayed in a new way (Luke 2:28-32).
Maybe we are praying for something. Perhaps it is time we pray in a new way—less comfortable, more God-centered, and less about having our way. Sister, let us worship as we wait.
Do we see the Lord coming into the temple to meet us as we gather for prayer and liturgy? Are we here for His visit? May we open our eyes to see that He is coming, that He is teaching us a new way to pray, and that somehow, He is also already here. His salvation has come.
Let us worship as we wait. // Rocio Perez Click to tweet
As you prepare to enter into new prayer this Lent, consider joining thousands of women in doing our Lent devotional book, Set a Fire.
Rocio Hermes is a Dominican-born, US-raised, stay-at-home mom who is excited about building community, baking desserts, and writing poetry. She holds a Master’s degree in Theology and has lived in Ethiopia as a missionary. Rocio now lives in Israel with her German husband and their son. She is a contributing author to Blessed Conversations: Dwell as well as Teaching Author on Blessed Conversations: Gift, a Study on the Eucharist. You can read more from her at graceandmercyblog.com.
Rocío Hermes es una mama de casa nacida en República Dominicana y criada en Estados Unidos, a quien le entusiasma construir una comunidad, hornear postres y escribir poesía. Tiene una maestría en Teología y ha vivido en Etiopía como misionera. Rocío ahora vive en Israel con su marido alemán y su hijo. Es autora colaboradora de Blessed Conversations: Dwell. Puede leer más sobre ella en Graceandmercyblog.com.
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