Every Wednesday night our church gathers together to pray. I understand that "Prayer Meetings" are a fairly obsolete tradition that has lost its "place in line" within the modern evangelical church....even in our church attendance is sparse. However, there is always a faithful remnant that returns each Wednesday again and again to pray as a family of faith.
Yesterday evening I was in the sanctuary preparing for the meeting...gearing up for a sweet time of prayer with a few core members. As I was turning on the lights and getting the heater cranked up, a well dressed man quietly walked in the front door. Sheepishly, he asked if prayer meeting was going on tonight and I replied with an equally shy, "Yes, but there won't be many." He noted that he did not care if anybody showed up...he only needed to see one person.
At that comment, my "spiritual meter" was indicating something significant was about to happen. He quietly walked to the front as if towards an unseen figure and I followed...respectful...as an assistant would lead a client to the "bosses office." He sat at the Altar and tried to speak, but words were few...mostly tears flowed. I felt like the third wheel of a holy meeting....respectfully, I sat and watched as he had a meeting with the divine.
His meaningful and needed encounter with God reminded me of the short poem by Elizabeth Rooney,
"Must we use words
For everything?
Can there not be
A silent flaming
Leap of heart
Toward Thee?
The sacred wordless meeting was cut short by the arrival of the few faithful members who were unaware of the special moment. They walked in speaking of the days events...the weather and so on...
Respectfully, the stranger introduced himself and attended the word-filled prayer meeting. He excused himself a bit early and left. I led the remaining crowd in a closing prayer and we locked up the church and went home.
Walking toward the house I realized that I was a part of two "prayer meetings." I found myself longing to experience again the "one without words." Perhaps I will try it on my own....perhaps I will try sending up "A silent flame, Leap of Heart Toward Thee." I will let you know how it goes.
