Living in God's Presence

It seems fitting that this next series of blogs on the Jewish Garden of Faith should be started on the Sabbath, the day of rest, worship, and celebration devoted to God.

Someone once said, "It is not so much that the Jews have kept the Sabbath as that the Sabbath has kept the Jews."

The Jewish people I know agree with that.

The setting aside of one day in seven to rest and focus on spiritual life, on God, and enjoying God's gifts, sets a rhythm to life that is important if we are to stay balanced and in harmony with our souls and purpose in life. In a secular society, it is all too easy to get swallowed up in business, busyness, and an unending round of activity that leaves no room for that sacred space and time we humans need. One Jewish writer says that the Sabbath is like a temple built in the realm of Time. It is a temple all can enter at whatever time they choose for renewal and rejoicing. The place can be a synagogue, a mosque, a church, a temple, a shrine, a special place in our homes, or a beautiful place outdoors in nature.

Whenever and wherever we "return again" to the Ground of our Being, the Meaning of our life, we are blessed.

Today's reading is from Psalm 84, and celebrates the joy of worship, prayer, celebration---all that is included in focusing our attention--a most precious gift!--upon the One Who is our Source, our Sustainer, and Beloved of the soul. This version is based on my paraphrase of the Psalms in my book "Swallow's Nest."

How lovely are all the places of Your dwelling, Holy One of Blessing.

My soul faints with longing for the beauty of your Presence.

My whole being shouts for joy to You, O Living God!

Even the sparrow finds a home in the sanctuary of Your Presence,

and the swallow finds a place to build a nest where she may lay her young.

Blessed are all creatures who dwell in your Presence, always singing Your praise.

Blessed are all those who find their strength in You,

whose hearts are your houses of worship.

As they go through the valley of weeping,

they turn it into a place of wellsprings.

Blessings shower on them like the spring rain.

Because they are able to see Your Holiness everywhere,

they go onward from strength to strength.

A day in Your presence, O God, is better than a thousand far from You.

I would rather serve You in small and humble ways

than live in luxury and power among the wicked.

You are a God of grace and glory, shielding and enlightening us.

You withhold nothing good from those who act justly.

Blessed are those who rely completely on You.

My prayer-response: (I often chant these words at times of prayer)

Beauty is Your Face, O God.

Loving is Your warm embrace.

Wisdom is Your womb, O God,

Living is Amazing Grace.

Breathing is Your Breath, O God.

Singing is Your ceaseless Song.

Sensing is a savoring

Of Your Goodness all day long.