My purpose for writing this little book is to provide clergy, worship planners and lay persons a resource for simplifying liturgies that include a larger space for Silence.
I envision a Contemplative Worship movement growing within the main church.
The seed has been planted; a thirst and hunger for a return to simple church is sprouting. Courageous clergy are helping people who forego Sunday church services to connect to Christ within themselves, in Nature, and in Community in a more authentic, less formal way than that of the main church.
I believe that the Church as an institution must begin to simplify lengthy, tired liturgy to make larger spaces in worship for Silence and Contemplation.
Otherwise, liturgy is depriving congregants of a closer union with Christ's presence in their worship experience. God speaks to us in the Silence.
SANDY SMYTH
M.A.R. 2010. Yale University, Divinity School.
Sandy is the author of seven other books: Gigi and Katy; You are Never All Alone; My Emerald Leaf, Paradise Within, Living a Life of Prayer; Journey to Wholeness through the Creative Arts; The Creative Process of Children; The Spirit-led Organization; and Sermons Never Preached on the Spirit-led Life.
