Liturgy

I have began reading a new blog (surprise this seems to happen everyday I find a new one) by a fellow who's began a journey into the orthodox church. He's began to post in a beautiful and poetic way his expereinces. The most recent post was on liturgy and his encounter with it. I've cerainly flirted with the idea of liturgical churches in the past. And fell in love as I encountered God through the "drama" of liturgy. Of course as a rebelious person I struggle with the strict structure of church leadership but this seemed to be minor to me when I think through the beauty of how God spoke through the liturgy.

As I read the post I could still smell the sweet odour of burnt incense and candles that filled the church. I recall the wonder that struck me as I saw the beauty of the sanctuary. And for once I was really impressed with preaching. Short, sweet, life applicable... how nice. In a time when I was burnt out and disappointed with organized church this was heaven. Yet I don't understand how in the depth of my anarchy I found rest and beauty in the most structured institute.

Since my encounter many months ago now I've taken up reading the Anglican book of Alternative Services and fall in love time after time with the words. As well the beauty of the prayers in the Common book of Prayer.