rituals...and rhythms of life

Christians should not be surprised that ritual behavior comes naturally to man. After all, we are created in the image of the God whose first recorded action is a ritual. On day one, it's "Let there be" and "there was" and "it was good" and "evening and morning." Day two goes much the same, and so on until the seventh day, when God gives pattern to the whole week by establishing the Sabbath. And since that week, God has delighted in repeating the ritual each day. Chesterton's speculation seems right: "It is possible that God says every morning `Do it again' to the sun; and every evening, `Do it again' to the moon. . . . The repetition in Nature may not be a mere recurrence; it may be a theatrical encore."

I continue to toss around the idea of rhythms of life, especially in the context of community. For many the idea of ritual, is burdensome, it lacks the freedom of spontaneity...I wonder. I'm beginning to think, a communal rhythm of life is important in the context of community. Could it not be like a wave length that resonates within and through out the community...envoking a sense of unity? I also think there is a fear of ritual that should be recognized, especially when we come to worship the ritual...more than who the ritual points to. Do you have a rhythm in your faith life? Is it meaningful ? Is there a rhythm of life in your faith community?

Comments

[Annie]

Aha! One of my favorite topics! I think ritual is very important. It can be empty when we don't believe in it, but it can set the stage, if you will, on which faith plays out, creating the right atmosphere to help us achieve a state of expectation, seeking God within. The ancients understood this--our rejection of it came with the reformation when we began to question everything. But even the simplest ritual can be an assist. For example, I very often begin my prayers at home by lighting candles. It probably began with an Advent wreath and then I began to love to think of the light of God coming into the world as I lit the candles--Maranatha! So it puts me in the right state of mind almost immediately.

I know that some people bristle at the thought--but I don't know of any Christian denomination that doesn't have some sort of ritual--it is the garb it wears that distinguishes it.

[ron]

Hi Annie, thanks for sharing some of the rhythm of your day, it's beautiful. Part of by daily ritual is living on acreage, and surrounded by woods, that are weaved like a tapestry, filled with paths...I will walk taking my small pocket sized bible, stopping at places along my route where I listen, read and pray. For me it is constant reminder of faith as a journey...and I love it all in the midst of his creation...solitude, and contemplation. Thats my daily ritual, I'm praying others will drop by and share so we can learn from each others rhythms, and jouney. As always Annie Blessings, and thankyou for adding to the conversation...Peace Ron+

[jim]

I think you both hold it in perspective. It is not the ritual, itself, that trips us, but our own weakness in making the ritual the extent of our worship.....