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
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
Beautiful lines from one of my favorite books. Sending good wishes your way — and hoping your day is one of amazement and blessing.
Wow – what a powerful quote. I’ve just ordered this book! Thanks so much for sharing the inspiration…
Beautiful!
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!
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.