Silver Altar
Preparing for Worship, poem by Peter Menkin
More likely an Anglican poem as represented in an Episcopal Parish, this poem speaks of the quiet and reverence that is the atmosphere and practice in the sacristy–a room where preparation of things holy and special is done for setting before the altar of the Lord.
Note the audio reading by the poet at the end. The work speaks of the experience as one of beauty and gratitude, a sense of gladness and celebration. Though a routine activity prior to Communion, the poem also expresses the experience and ethos of the room as an encounter with God. The poet, Peter Menkin, believes this to be a special routine that is of Biblical dimension–both of the Old and New Testaments.
Preparing for Worship
By Peter Menkin
June 20, 2008
God, in the Sacristy of the Church:
We encounter you– as
We go about our routine
Preparing for Communion.
Yet aware of beauty and the gratitude:
This is the day the Lord has made,
Let us be glad in it.
Doing the work of worship:
Preparing in this room, holy
Sacred items reverently placed.
One of us prepares the wine
for Communion,
for blessing:
Contained in silver; and the water,
For blessing, contained in silver.
The bread for the Body, prepared,
for Communion,
for blessing,
Offered on silver. Lovely, lovely, lovely.
These items that are earthly, memorials of You.
How lovely is your presence:
This sacred time of waiting,
Working, preparing, as we speak
Together quietly, in peace.
Audio reading by poet is here:
http://www.archive.org/details/PreparingForWorshipByPeterMenkin
About the Author
Peter Menkin, an aspiring poet, lives in Mill Valley, CA USA (north of San Francisco).
My blog:
http://www.petermenkin.blogspot.com
Day 5 – The Altar of the Silver Star
|
|
Tibetan Incense Burner $8.95 A Tibetan styled 5″ diameter incense burner, with floral spiral patterns covering its silver-tone base. An eye catching piece with slots for up to 5 sticks, the concave edges will help keep ash contained clean and safe…. |
|
|
Altar Tarot Cloth: Triple Goddess With Pentagram $11.90 Low Cost Shipping! Metapot.com charges shipping based on weight, not the quantity of items. Shipping is only $6 for orders under a pound and only increases by $1 for each extra pound.This charming cloth, is perfect for the medium sized table or altar. A silver triple moon with pentacle and gold Celtic border boldly jump off of the black background, instantly catching ones eye. The edges of this cl… |
|
|
Silver Altar Bell with Pentagram Design $5.17 Hear the light, ringing song of this small silver-plated bell. 3″ tall, with an engraved pentacle design and scalloped edges around its rim, the chime of this bell garners far more attention than one would expect from its size alone…. |
|
|
Ritual Tools – Chalice Silver Plated Pentagram 5 Tall. $18.95 This is a beautiful Silver plated Chalice with the pentagram symbol. It can fit any altar size. A pentagram is engraved on opposing sides of this food and drink safe chalice. It is silver plated and easily cleaned using common silver polish. Standing 5″ high, with its spiral rope styled stem, this chalice is perfect for altar use or even just for decoration…. |
|
|
Ritual Tools – Large 4.5 Brass Pentacle Paten/altar Plate This is a 4.5″ Brass Pentacle Paten. Use as an altar piece, trivet, coaster or simply hang on the wall as a decoration. Excellent for your magical work. It also makes a wonderful gift…. |
|
|
Ritual Tools – Silver Plated Pentacle Paten/altar Plate 4.0 $20.00 This silver-plated pentacle altar tile measures approximately 4″ in diameter. Light weight and elegant, it can easily be hung or used to accent other aspects of your sacred space, bringing the mysticism and magic of the pentacle into your rituals, ceremonies and magic. Made in India it is a beautiful piece. It also makes a elegant gift for someone special…. |
|
|
Triquetra Altar Tile 5 $11.95 Triquetra Altar Tile 5″ Shaped into a triangle with flat corners to create a six sided tile, this altar piece presents a beautiful addition to your ritual crafts. Sculpted of silver-painted ceramic, it is light weight and delicate, with the classic Celtic symbol of a triquetra representing the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone. Measuring 5″ long and 6″ wide, it will fit easily upon just about any … |
|
|
Celtic Moon Altar Cloth/Scarves $19.39 Captured upon this 3 foot by 3 foot square of cloth, that is perfect as a scarf or as an altar cloth, is the elegant design of a pentacle and the crescent moon. The pentacle is a symbol with many layers of meaning, including the perfection of the manifestation of the human form and the four elements, with Spirit, which rules over them all. The crescent moon represents receptivity, or acceptance, t… |
|
|
Celtic Altar/tarot Cloth $6.82 This cloth, perfect for the medium sized table or altar, is a purple & black masterpiece. An ornate black celtic border boldly jumps off of the purple background, instantly catching the eye. As an altar piece, the shape of the inner circle and the arrangement of the knotwork also provides a guide to the placement of certain altar items. The edges of this cloth are tasseled, extending beyond its ov… |
February 23, 2011 7:24 am 
Subscribe
