In The Flame Of The Candle Unknowable Vastness Listening to the lighted candle. The flame communicates devotion, prayerful notices. These conversations from vigil at Easter time remain. An engagement with God, fiery envelopment You Holy Spirit elicit embrace of unknowable vastness. First the flame listens; later all week the heart be open, love invites on the road. Feed us. You do in the breaking of bread. Take the cup. A moment and minutes that love offers, this is the sweet enduring spirit. Continue the ongoing conversation. The poem above is a third revision, and it is a response that is part of the series “Conversations with the Holy Spirit.” Written after reading the end of Luke in the New Testament (NSRV), and mostly begun in response to the suggestion “Take a moment to be aware of God’s presence.” Conversation With The Holy Spirit While In A Baptist Church Most days, in the morning, noon, and night, when asleep, and in my dreams, I practice speaking to God. I listen. What of this conversation with the Holy Spirit. Tonight I joined monk Thomas Merton in my confession; for in my heart ache: Citizen of the Century, distracted man, “...the century of poison gas and atomic bombs. A man living on the door sill of the Apocalypse, a man with veins full of poison, living in death.” I am this man. (CAPTION) Candles in the Church of the Nativity Bethlehem Photo: Rick White ©2004