Three Flames
Next time you are at Liturgy, consider the idea that there are three flames. The first flame burns before the throne of God always. The second flame is passed down to a candle at the altar in the Liturgy. The third flame is passed on to you, like a little candle that you light when you take communion. Imagine trying to keep that little candle lit as you leave the church and keeping that little flame burning throughout the week. Of course, you might point out that there aren’t really three flames. It’s just one flame.
Three Songs
Also, next time you are at Liturgy, consider the idea that there are three songs. The first song is sung before the throne of God always. We see songs like this depicted in the book of Revelation and throughout the Bible. Years ago, I was in the African country of Cameroon, and the Christians there had added music to Revelation 7:12. “Amen, Amen, Blessings and Glory, Wisdom, Thanksgiving, Honor, Lord! Power and Might be unto our God, Forever and ever Amen!” And most of what we sing in the Liturgy also comes out of the Bible.
The first song is the music of heaven, and the second song happens as this music is sung in the Liturgy at church. The third song is when this music enters our hearts and minds, and we try to remember its words, music, and rhythm throughout our week. Of course, you might point out that there aren’t really three songs. It’s just one song.
Three Liturgies
I share these images with you because numerous scholars and saints of our church describe three Liturgies. The first Liturgy takes place before the throne of God always. The second Liturgy is what we participate in at Church. The third Liturgy is the Liturgy of the Heart. Metropolitan Heirotheos of Nafpaktos calls this “an unceasing divine liturgy which nourishes our whole existence” (Orthodox Psychotherapy, p.90). Fr. Roman Braga found this Liturgy amidst torture and solitary confinement in communist prisons (Journey to Simplicity, p. 493). Fr. Stephen Freeman calls this “the longest liturgy – for it is the liturgy of our whole life” (see article here).
Did you know that there is meant to be a Liturgy happening in your heart every moment? You are a temple for God, and your heart is an altar. This is a Liturgy where you can “rejoice always, pray continually, and be thankful in all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). This is a Liturgy where you can bring the light of God’s flame, the song of His love, and the miracle of His presence to the people all around you.
If you are like me, it doesn’t take long after Liturgy in church is over, for the little candle in your heart to go out, and it doesn’t take long to forget the words and music of the songs of heaven. Whether we do it to ourselves or let others snuff this out, it is easy to forget about the Liturgy of our hearts.
God knows this about us. Consider the words of the ancient prophet:
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. —Zephaniah 3:17
Thankfully, we do not save ourselves. We have a loving God who saves us and delights in us. He will relight your broken and burnt out candle as you trust in Him. In the stillness of your heart, He will sing to you His love song, His lullaby to comfort and restore you. Through His strength, mercy, and love, not our own, we can renew and continue the endless liturgy in our hearts. Begin this very moment to let your light shine and to sing the love song of God.
Originally published in the Holy Apostles E-bulletin. Subscribe here.
