For the Musical Director, italicised sections to the tune of “Jesus Prayer” by Lynn Bauman. ¾ time signature, beginning at the second beat of the bar, moderate tempo. To be sung reflectively.
spread out beneath my feet
colours and candles
and up up immeasurably
there is fragrance
moving tenderly
blessing the oikonomia
in this inmost dwelling
sacred blending
nearby distant
weaving music into the quiet
singing
I feel so deficit here
· as I ’ listen ’ to joy ex’pressed · to ’ joy to ’ joy I ’ listen:
how empty I am
simply
against the fullness of this place
when chesed crosses over
I am chanting too
hesitant participant
I look into darkness again
stillness rests on me richly
· there is ’ harmony:
we look up up immeasurably
colours and candles
spread out beneath our feet
Hilary Johnston is an MTh graduate from Laidlaw College. Her particular areas of interest are Feminist Biblical Criticism and Feminist Theology. She has always enjoyed creative writing but is a fairly recent convert to specifically writing poetry. However, like most new converts, what she lacks in experience is hopefully something that may be partially compensated by enthusiasm.
Acknowledgements to: Kit McMenamin, for the photograph inside St. Luke’s Mt. Albert Anglican Church and for creative feedback. Lynn Bauman, for the “Jesus Prayer” melody. Brenda Rockell, for helping me understand the Anglican Prayer Book. Jeanette Cole, for advising on the musical cantillation. “Jots” Poetry Circle, for developing my poem and for developing me. Community of Trinity, for creating an inclusive space to pray.