Faith
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Thinking the Faith, Praying the Faith, Living the Faith is written by the PC(USA) Office of Theology and Worship.
Thinking, praying, and living the faith is at the core of ministry in the Office of Theology and Worship. In the following videos, learn more about what thinking, praying, and living the faith means to the leadership of the Office of Theology and Worship. Discover why it matters and what difference it makes in our lives, work, and worship.
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Evening Prayer at the Airport
I usually don't enjoy hanging out in airports. This evening, though, while waiting for a flight, I wandered into the chapel / mosque at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) just in time for evening prayer.
To tell the truth, I was the only one there. In fact, I really just wandered in out of curiosity, to see what this particular airport chapel / mosque might look like. Like a good liturgical tourist, I examined the table and pulpit (there is a weekly Mass), the translation of the Bible (New American Standard), the green paraments, the prie-dieu kneelers, and the plain wooden cross on the wall. I looked at the corner set aside for Muslim prayer, with a folded rug, copies of the Qur'an, and a small sign that said "No shoes allowed."
And then I remembered that I happened to have my copy of the Book of Common Worship—Daily Prayer in my carry-on bag. Why not pray? Why not here? Why not now?
I sang one of the evening psalms from the daily lectionary, Psalm 27. (Someone came to the door while I was singing and rattled the handle; I'm afraid I scared them away.) I read the gospel lesson for the day, Mark 12:28-34: Jesus teaching the scribes about the Great Commandment. I prayed the Thursday evening thanksgivings and intercessions and the Lord's Prayer. I read and savored the blessing.
At the risk of being labeled a religious fanatic, I just might make a habit of this—praying in airports. There was something just really right about it ... sensing the presence of God and the communion of saints, practicing my faith in a public place, hearing the Word in a different context, praying for the city and the people around me, receiving God's blessing for the journey. Who knows, I may start scheduling longer layovers.
- Posted at 5:29 p.m.
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