I received an email this week from St. John’s, a Lutheran congregation where I often worship. They invited us to “worship in place”. I thought this was a clever spin on the “shelter in place” orders we all received just a few days ago. So much has changed in so little time. But we know that God is with us always, by the promise of Jesus Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit which abides in us.

I am sharing a video from one of my favorite online resources, the Bible Project. They create simple yet powerful videos which show the common threads running through our Holy Scriptures. This video explores the theme of “temple”. The idea of holy places is found throughout the Bible and our Christian tradition. How does place figure in our understanding of God today? 

For some of us, it will be new to pray and worship at home. That’s okay! I invite you to consider how you may create a holy place in your home to recognize the presence of God which is already with you, right now. You may choose to light a candle, as we do each week in the beginning of service. Surround yourself with images which will help you to reflect on the Lord, or perhaps worship outside if you are able. There is nowhere we can be where God is not!

Tomorrow, when we gather at our computers to worship in place, we will be gathered in one Spirit. Praise be to God!

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you. Amen.

In Christ,
Veronica