A Healing Ritual for Emptying out

This excerpt from the issue of Liturgy on “Liturgy in Rural Settings” is from Marvin Lee Anderson describing a tangible liturgical gesture that is meant to help individuals let go of burdens.

This healing liturgy of lament is designed for this sole purpose: to help the assembled people prayerfully empty themselves and let go of all that weighs them down, dwelling in the peace promised by the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Just as our bodies remind us of our need to empty our bowels and bladders, our souls and minds need to be emptied of all that has filled––and even seized––them. . .   

 To command their attention and dramatically make my point, I lowered my head and shoulders as if encumbered by invisible dumbbells to convey the sense of being heavily burdened, still captive to the residue of that day’s thoughts and feelings. I then invited everyone gathered to ponder all that still holds them in its grasp, that prevents them from being present to the Spirit of God. . . 

 After briefly explaining the format of the liturgy, most of the congregation voluntarily came forward in a queue comparable to the act of receiving communion. With music in the background, congregants each took their turn. They lined up at both sidewall aisles of the sanctuary, but instead of coming to partake of the bread and wine, they waited in line alongside two tables centrally placed in front of the altar. Two bowls, like big salad bowls, were filled two-thirds with water and placed, one on each table. Congregants then followed my lead in coming up to both tables, where each person took one of the sponges on the table and then immersed it into the bowl of water, while facing the congregation. 

 The central task of this liturgy is to invite participants to come forward as they feel comfortable and soak the sponge in the bowl of water. Prayerfully cognizant of what it is that they need to lament and let go, forgive, or be forgiven, participants are asked to wring out the sponge they have just dunked, letting go of all that holds them captive to make room for God’s peace and healing Spirit. 

 I urged each person that evening—as every time I facilitate this healing liturgy of lament—to be present to the moment and to the whisperings of the Spirit as they squeeze and wring out the sponge saturated with water. What are you feeling released from as your hands wring out the sponge, a metaphor for your heavy heart? What is it that you carry around with you, from your own life, the life of your congregation, or the pain of the world, that you need to lament and let go? What is the burden being lifted from your heavy heart? Remember the solace offered by Jesus’ reassuring words: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). 

 

The full essay is available in Liturgy 32, no. 4 available by personal subscription and through many libraries.

Marvin Lee Anderson, PhD, has taught rural ministry in both Canada and the United States, served in interim ministry, consults on congregational renewal and community development, and chairs the board of the Fox Institute for Creation Spirituality in Boulder, Colorado. See www.ruraljustified.com.

 

Marvin Lee Anderson, “Are You Heavy Laden? A Healing Liturgy of Lament,” Liturgy 32, no. 4 (2017): 47-54.