Becoming an Episcopalian – ParanormalChrist

The Rail

Erect, weathered, silently stalwart, lies the “rail” : the boundary between apse and chancel. It is the wooden boundary between heaven and earth, the pinnacle that acts as the liminal furniture connecting the two. Many of us miss it. We enter the church after making our way through the parking lot or courtyard, greet theContinue reading “The Rail”

We Become What We Pray: Final Thoughts On Confession

In this concluding post discussing gleanings through the practice of daily confession, I will note four areas of focus: We become what we pray Prayer sanctifies us The epiphany of grace that happens within confession Confession creates awareness that leads to proper witness. Firstly, the practice of daily Confession gives fresh meaning to the ancientContinue reading “We Become What We Pray: Final Thoughts On Confession”

The Daily Confession of Sin, Part I: A very Brief Introduction

It may be news to some that not all Christian traditions embrace a daily routine of confessing sin. Though Forgiveness is part and parcel of Christian teachings, for many, regular prayers of repentance would imply that one is indeed not Christian, or to use an old school nomenclature, that one has “back slid” or “fallenContinue reading “The Daily Confession of Sin, Part I: A very Brief Introduction”

Part 3- Becoming an Episcopalian: The Sermon, Crossing Oneself, Smells & Bells

*This is the final essay of my 3 part reflection series “Becoming an Episcopalian,” reflecting on my transition into the Episcopal Church. Please scroll down to see parts 1 & 2 as your leisure or desire so determines* 6. Sermon in Support Role, Eucharist Central One of the striking dissimilarities between a formal and “informal”Continue reading “Part 3- Becoming an Episcopalian: The Sermon, Crossing Oneself, Smells & Bells”

Part 2: Becoming an Episcopalian: Using Written Prayers, Memorizing Prayer/Scripture, & Worship Space

*This post is part 2 of the previous post/reflections on my foray into Episcopalian piety. Please read part 1 for the theological context from which I come prior to being an Episcopalian. I below note three areas of piety that have been quite formative for me (two were noted in the previous post). I offer theseContinue reading “Part 2: Becoming an Episcopalian: Using Written Prayers, Memorizing Prayer/Scripture, & Worship Space”

Becoming an Episcopalian: Observations on Spiritual Practice In The Episcopal Church- Part 1

*This is Part 1 of a 3 part post. This series will offer observations on the following 8 subjects, the first 2 covered in this post: Praying the Psalter, The Role of Scripture, Praying Written Prayers, Memorizing Prayer/Scripture/Songs/Creeds, Worship Space, Role of the Sermon, Crossing Oneself, & affectionately Smells and Bells.* In January I embarked onContinue reading “Becoming an Episcopalian: Observations on Spiritual Practice In The Episcopal Church- Part 1”