Prayer in the Presence of God
Megan Walker and Helen Wieger
As a child I often attended Syriac Orthodox mass. Clouds of incense billowed, immersing us in the presence that had filled that sanctuary for 1800 years. There people had prayed as empires rose and fell, prayed in joy and plenty, in wars, famines, plagues, massacres. Every breath filled our lungs with the prayers of those generations, and we joined our prayers to theirs.
In John’s vision of the heavenly temple, God breathes in these same prayers. These prayers are not simply pleasant smelling smoke; they are effectual, bringing God’s presence to shake the earth and to work justice for his people. – Helen Wieger
Inspired by Megan’s love of nature journaling, this collaborative piece incorporates drawings by Megan, a poem and other text by Helen, and scriptures from Isaiah and Revelation. Ink and water soluble wax pastel portray the rich solidity of censer, incense, and coal. The smoke is pencil on glass, adding depth and movement.
