Especially throughout Lent, you are invited into the sanctuary to pray, to meditate, to write, to engage, to yell, to nap, and to sit. The sanctuary is open throughout the week* as well as on Sunday mornings. We hope that this quiet space may be a place of healing, grounding, and wholeness for you. We invite you come to the sanctuary to discover holy rest.
There will be rotating prayer stations set up throughout Lent. Here is a guide for the ones set up for the beginning of Lent:
Prayers for Ukraine
When you enter the sanctuary, you will find a communion cup with slips of paper and pens with the instructions from 1 Thessalonians 5 to “Pray without ceasing.” You are invited to write your prayers and bring them to the foot of the cross at the front of the sanctuary. Place your prayers in the bent communion chalice. God hears our prayers when we do not have the words.
Prayers for Trans kids and peoples and situations on our hearts
On the communion table, you will find a candle with a More Light Trans pin, a pride and trans flag, and a series of candles and stones. You are invited to write a prayer for Trans kids as well as peoples and situations on the stones. You may take your prayer stone home with you or leave it in the sanctuary. The pastors and church members will pray your prayers.
Baptism Prayers
You are invited to linger at the baptismal font with a plant from one of our oldest church members. You are a beloved child of God.
Finding Wholeness reflections
Near the children’s section and on a church pew, you will find the words of Luke 6, Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain. You will also find the parts of that sermon that spoke to our hearts of courageous practices to bring wholeness. You are invited to add your own reflections.
—
The sanctuary is mostly always open for you to for quiet contemplative time. The exception is Thursday evenings when another group uses the space. If you need help getting into the building, please text Pastor Alice at 202-805-3720.