The great novena - Rector's Rambling for June 2nd, 2019

We are in the midst of our Great Novena, nine days, between the Feast of the Ascension and Whitsunday/Pentecost.  During the time after Jesus ascended into heaven, and when the Holy Ghost poured out onto the disciples, Jesus’ followers spent these days in prayer in preparation for the gift  of the Paraclete, and the mission that they were about to embark upon.  We are doing the same.

Every day, between last Thursday and next Saturday, we are meeting at the Prayer Wall and praying Evening Prayer.  We sing an opening and closing hymn, and also lift up our common intentions and those in the Prayer Wall, as well as pray for the Sevenfold Gifts of the Holy Spirit.  It is an important thing that we are doing!

One of the challenges we have with our location is that we aren’t the biggest thing on the block (at one time we were the only big thing…100+ years ago), but we are dwarfed by the arenas, stadiums, and theatres that surround us.  Additionally, because we tend to be here, worshipping when other events are not taking place, it is easy to overlook this empty unopened building.  Our challenge is not only to keep the building looking attractive physically, but also to have it open during the weekdays, AND to bring our prayers and presence outside the building as well.

Our Prayer Wall is prayed at every Sunday after the 10:00 AM service, and this is a great public witness to those going to the sporting and theatre events around us.  This is why we have our Thy Kingdom Come prayer services outside at the Prayer Wall as well.  It can be intimidating to try to bring people into this massive stone structure to join us for prayer!  Being outside allows people to observe, say a quick prayer on their own as they pass, and occasionally folks join us for a portion of the service as well.  But everyone who does pass by sees that we are a people at prayer!  This witness is important for increasing our “notice-ability” in the neighborhood.  And most importantly, we are PRAYING – always a good thing!

Be sure to join us this week at 6:00 PM!