This is my icon corner, in the living room, where I find my isolated place to pray. It is before the images of my Lord Jesus, born, crucified and resurrected, that I lay bare my soul and seek comfort and healing. As I find courage and strength I am bold to assure others of the same grace bestowed. As St Paul said, “The comfort with which we were comforted, we comfort others with also.” It is to this altar that I return to petition for divine mercy and blessing on behalf of my spiritual children. It is here that I pray for your sick children, your family distress, employment concerns, and your sorrows of personal loss. I also return to this place of prayer to rejoice and render thanks for your blessings and joys of life.
Usually the lights are dimmed and candles are lit in the icon corner to focus attention on holy things. The images of the saints remind me that we are surrounded by a crowd of witnesses who have gone before, as St Paul says. You will see the icon of St Daniel the Prophet who was bold to pray and served the king well. St Polycarp to the right was a disciple of the Apostle John and was a bold pastor and martyr of the faith. St Stephen and St Seraphim who were full of the Holy Spirit, both were physically assaulted; one died and the other bore scars the remainder of his life.
The psalmist said, “Let my prayer rise before you as incense and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” As I pray the air becomes heavy with the aroma of frankincense or sandalwood incense. It rises before the picture of Christ Jesus who is our intercessor and high priest. In his hand he holds a parchment that reads, “Come to me all who labor and are heavily burdened and I will give you rest.” I am certain that he receives our prayers as they rise before him in heaven. As the smoke swirls around, it envelopes me and reminds me of the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the holy angels who stand ready to do the Lord’s bidding. The incense has so overwhelmed the room that I now cannot be unaware of it. Just as it enhances every breath I take, I am made aware of the love of God for all humanity that so fills and sustains all creation.
Blessings+
Father Daniel
