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Yet, he writes for the faith community, for he knows his seeing and sharing of it in song is in and for the faith community. The Psalm allows us no assumed freedom of a "private" faith or spiritual path apart from the inspiration and blessing of the presence of the Communion of Saints. The Communion of Faith is a priest to us each, mediating the presence and grace of God. The Church is a bride who loves us and is beautiful to us. The Body of Christ is a husband to us who is loyal and strong.
This "O Lord" is "our Lord" and is a logical affirmation of the Psalmist, consequent of covenant in community. Such says, "I do not confess God apart from the confession of all others who are in Christ."
I experienced something very special this past Sunday morning. As the people left the Worship Service, I stood outside and greeted each one. Each one and I connected eye to eye and shared words. I sensed a sensation in my body, felt physically. At a deeper level than ever before, I was allowing the Bride of Christ to give to me, for me to receive Her words into myself.
Earlier that morning I had gotten to the sanctuary. I had prayed on the way, somewhat distraught. So sad was I that I had almost sought a quiet place to weep alone. I had to speak to myself, reminding myself that I was to be there that morning for my people, and I could not allow my sadness to block my being fully present to the congregation.
Ironically, however, the sadness was dissolved in my giving and receiving. During the sermon, I noticed that persons were very open to my presence and words. They allowed me to touch them in Grace. Then, on the way out, I practiced that same openness, letting them touch me in Grace, too.
That morning I had asked God to confirm that I was or was not at the place God put me, for some life events had challenged that I was to stay at my present appointment of service. I affirmed that I would listen to either response. Being touched so deeply, loved so much, and the shared presence in "our Lord," were among several things that Sunday wherein God said, "My son, you are with the people whom I have given you, and whom you are given to."
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