Showing posts with label Anglican. Show all posts

Though I am a convinced Presbyterian, I have long had deep respect for the Anglican tradition. Two men who have had a profound role in shaping my deepest theological convictions are Anglican priests: John Stott and J. I. Packer. Stott’s The Cross of Christ and Packer’s Knowing God are brilliant, living explorations of historic Christian doctrine. Worshipping at St Helen’s Bishopsgate in London and Falls Church in Virginia were rich experiences of meaningful liturgy and careful biblical exposition. Two of our closest friends, Steven Garber and Bonnie Liefer, who serve so faithfully on Ransom’s Board of Directors, are Anglicans. I have often prayed that the American Episcopal Church would be called back to biblical fidelity by the majority of Anglicans who retain a vibrant commitment to Scripture in the rest of the world wide Communion.

Several years ago two dear friends who live in Albuquerque, Bryan and Linda Charleton, decided to join the Anglican Church. Today I drove to the Post Office to pick up ten days of accumulated mail, and in the pile was a package from Bryan. Inside, nestled in little velvet bags were two Anglican Prayer Beads, hand-crafted for us by him, one for Margie and the other for me. (The one in the picture is mine.)

Unlike the Catholic Rosary, which involves the repetition of a set series of prayers, the Anglican version is designed differently. Each bead needs to be assigned some meaning by me—some aspect of prayer I want to be sure to include (confession, thanksgiving, etc.), or some category of request or praise, or some topic on which to meditate, or a reminder to be silent for a while. The Beads thus are meant to help provide structure, order, and regularity in the spiritual discipline of personal prayer and reflection, not to restrict the prayers that I say.

I was not aware of this aspect of the Anglican tradition, and want to learn more. Like all aids to the spiritual life, I am sure this one can be misused. But if anyone could use some help in bringing structure, order, and regularity to his prayer life, it is I.

The craftsmanship is delicate and lovely. The thoughtfulness is a deep grace. And the gift you have sent me, Bryan, is a sweet reminder of the grace we have experienced together as friends over many years. Thank you, good friend.

Oh, and Bryan—I also love the box of Nihilist Chewing Gum (We don't believe in flavor) you included. Very nice touch.