Practical Mysticism

Sunday Service, 2 August 2026

Led by Rev. Dr. Jane Blackall

https://youtu.be/jFnsGzdc0Y8?si=FfQYnga4E2XXCqre

Musical Prelude: Rutter: When Music Sounds - poem by Walter de la Mare (performed by Andrew Robinson, Lucy Elston-Panter, Margaret Marshall, Benjie del Rosario and Nick Beever)

Opening Words: ‘The Mysterious Pull of the Unanswerable’ by Bran Lennox (adapted)

We have chosen to bring ourselves here, now,

to this sanctuary, to gather as a community of faith.

We join together in solidarity as people of deep commitment,

who are drawn together by the promise of connection

and the mysterious pull of the unanswerable.

We draw on experiences of love and wonder

to lift our hearts and move us beyond the mundane.

As seekers, wonderers, appreciators of nature,

connoisseurs of curiosity and creators of connection,

our paths have converged today so that we might

become present to the spirit that is worship.

And so, on this precious morning we’ve set apart,

to make it sacred, let us worship together once again.

Words of Welcome and Introduction: 

These words from Bran Lennox welcome all who have gathered this morning for our Sunday service. Welcome to those who have gathered in-person at Essex Church, to all who are joining via Zoom, and anyone tuning in at a later date via YouTube or the podcast stream.  For anyone who doesn’t know me, I’m Jane Blackall, and I’m minister with Kensington Unitarians.  

The title of this morning’s service is ‘Practical Mysticism’ – a title nicked from the famous book by Evelyn Underhill – when we think of mysticism, we might be tempted to fall back on the old stereotype of the mystic as someone who’s a bit detached from reality, away with the fairies. But there’s a whole other school of thought which paints the mystic as the one who sees reality most clearly of all. Scholar of the mystics, William McNamara, has this to say: ‘The mystic is the one person most surely in touch with this world of flesh and blood, of hard facts and concrete realities. The spiritual world, if we must use those terms, is this world, and a spiritual experience is what we are experiencing at this moment if we look at it the right way.’ So this morning, through readings and hymns, I’ll invite you to reflect on this mystical way of seeing and being in the world, and to consider the possibility that there is a practical mystic within you, waiting to be discovered.

Chalice Lighting: ‘Open to Possibility’ by Irene Glasse

Let’s light our chalice flame now, as we do each week. It’s a moment for us to stop and take a breath, settle ourselves down, put aside any preoccupations we came in carrying. This simple ritual connects us in solidarity with Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists the world over, and reminds us of the proud and historic progressive religious tradition of which this gathering is part.

(light chalice) 

We kindle light, and with it, possibility:

That we are more than the sum of our parts,

That the world is more than a problem to solve,

That illumination is more than simple flame.

We light the chalice and open to possibility.

Hymn (on sheet): ‘God Speaks Today’

Let us sing together now. Our first hymn is on your hymn sheet: ‘God Speaks Today’. For those joining on zoom the words will be up on screen. This one really sets out our stall in terms of the subject we’re exploring today – connecting the divine with our everyday reality – and the practical part we can play in embodying God in this world. Feel free to stand or sit as you prefer.

In our yearning, joy, and wonder, God speaks today.

In the care we show each other, God speaks today.

As we tend each friend and neighbour,

Work for justice, welcome strangers,

Live so all are free from danger, God speaks today.

In the hope that keeps us burning, God speaks today.

In the lessons we are learning, God speaks today.

As we heal and make confession,

Nurture peace, reject aggression,

Share our prayers and share possessions, God speaks today.

In the beauty all-surrounding, God speaks today.

In the love that keeps astounding, God speaks today.

In the sacred invitation

To restore each soul and nation,

As we strive to heal creation, God speaks today.

Candles of Joy and Concern:

Each week when we gather together, we share a simple ritual of candles of joy and concern, an opportunity to light a candle and share something that is in our heart with the community. So we’ve an opportunity now, for anyone who would like to do so, to light a candle and say a few words about what it represents. We’ll go to the people in the building first, then to Zoom.

So I invite some of you here in person to come and light a candle and then if you wish to tell us who or what you light your candle for – please keep it brief – be considerate of others. I’m going to ask you to come to the lectern to speak, as we want people to be able to hear you. 

(in person candles)

And if that’s everyone in the room we’ll go over to the people on Zoom next – you might like to switch to gallery view at this stage – just unmute yourselves when you are ready and speak out – and we should be able to hear you and see you up on the big screen here in the church.

(zoom candles)

And I’m going to light one more candle, as we often do, to represent all those joys and concerns that we hold in our hearts this day, but which we don’t feel able to speak out loud. (light candle)

Time of Prayer & Reflection: based on words by Kyle Johnson

Let’s take those joys and concerns into an extended time of prayer. The prayer is based on words by Kyle Johnson. You might want to adjust your position, close your eyes, or soften your gaze. There might be a posture that helps you feel more prayerful. Whatever helps you get into the right state of body and mind for us to pray together – be fully present – with ourselves, with each other, and with that which is both within us and beyond us. (pause)

Spirit of Life, God of All Love, in whom we live and move and have our being,

   we turn our full attention to you, the light within and without,

      as we tune in to the depths of this life, and the greater wisdom

         to which – and through which – we are all intimately connected.

      Be with us now as we allow ourselves to drop into the

         silence and stillness at the very centre of our being. (pause)

Spirit that moves in all things – Great Mystery –

Whose reach spans beyond the cold distant edges of our Universe,

And yet is present within the vast subatomic emptiness,

Coursing through every fibre and every breath of our being – and through Being itself.

Help us to see the Miracle in the Mundane,

To see the crystal stars, the shape-shifting clouds, the patient trees –

To see each other through fresh eyes.

For it is so easy to forget what we truly Are, and what we’ve been given.

As we move through our lives, let us remember

to see through the Mundane to the Miracle beneath,

and to perceive that common substance that gives birth to our myriad forms,

That Mystery that spans beyond the edges of the Universe, and yet infuses our next breath.

And let this foundational awareness of this holy Mystery guide us

on our paths as we work towards peace and fight for justice,

while always informed by a spirit of compassion. (pause)

And in a few minutes of quietness now, let us seek a higher perspective, a longer view;

starting right where we are, let us shift our awareness ever outward, in circles of concern.

Let us bring to mind those we know to be struggling this day – perhaps including ourselves –

those friends and family we hold dearest – our neighbours in community –

others around the globe we may only have heard about on the news.

And let us take time to send prayers of loving kindness to all who suffer this day. (long pause)

Let us take stock of our own lives – the challenges we face – and our part in those difficulties –

perhaps we are all too aware of mistakes we have made, or missed opportunities –

times in this week where things didn’t turn out how we intended or had hoped.

And let us take time to ask for what we need to transform our pain and sufferings. (long pause)

Let us look back over the last week, taking time to notice what was good, to count our blessings – all the ways in which others helped or encouraged us, inspired or delighted us –

all the goodness and beauty we have known even in the midst of pain and struggle.

And let us take time to give prayers of thanks for all we have been given. (long pause)

Spirit of Life – God of all Love – as this time of prayer comes to a close, we offer up

   our joys and concerns, our hopes and fears, our beauty and brokenness,

      and we call on you for insight, healing, and renewal.

As we look forward now to the coming week,

     help us to live well each day and be our best selves;

     using our unique gifts in the service of love, justice and peace. Amen.

Reading: ‘The Story of the Mystic and the Scientist’ (as told by Erik Walker Wikstrom) (read by David)

One day a Religious Man approached a Mystic and asked, “Does God exist?”

“Allow me to go within for an answer,” the Mystic replied.

After meditating for quite some time, expanding her heart-consciousness to embrace the Spirit of Life and the interconnected web of all existence, she answered, “I do not know what you mean by the word ‘God,’ but I do know that this world is more mysterious and more wonderful than I could ever imagine. I know that you and I are part of something so much larger than our own lives. Perhaps this ‘something larger’ is what you seek.”

Then the Religious Man approached a Scientist. “Does God exist?” he asked. “Let me think,” the Scientist replied.

And so she thought. She thought about the vastness of the universe—156 billion light-years, or something like 936 billion trillion miles, in diameter—and the almost immeasurable smallness of a quark. She thought of how the energy of the Big Bang fuels the beating of her own heart.

And then she answered, “I do not know what you mean by the word ‘God,” but I do know that this world is more mysterious and more wonderful than I could ever imagine. I know that you and I are part of something so much larger than our own lives. Perhaps this ‘something larger’ is what you seek.”

The Religious Man then thought to himself. He thought of what he knows and what he does not know. He thought about how he knows what he knows, and how he knows he doesn’t know what he doesn’t know. He thought about his experience of the world and how it is but one tiny, infinitesimal fraction of all experience. He thought about his dependence on forces larger than himself, and he thought about the interdependence of all existence. He experienced wonder and pondered mystery.

And then he knew—he knew in his soul the truth of what the Mystic and the Scientist said—that he is part of something so much larger than his own life.

And then, only then, did he think about what he’d call it.

Hymn 233 (green): ‘Others Call It God’

Let’s sing again – our second hymn is number 233 in your green books – ‘Others Call It God’.

A fire-mist and a planet,

A crystal and a cell,

A star-fish and a saurian,

And caves where cave-folk dwell;

The sense of law and beauty,

A face turned from the clod —

Some call it evolution,

And others call it God.

Haze on the far horizon,

The infinite tender sky,

The ripe, rich tints of cornfields,

And wild geese sailing high;

And over high and lowland,

The charm of golden rod —

Some people call it nature,

And others call it God.

Like tides on crescent sea-beach,

When the moon is new and thin,

Into our hearts high yearnings

Come welling, surging in,

Come from the mystic ocean

Whose rim no foot has trod —

Some people call it longing,

And others call it God.

A picket frozen on duty,

A mother starved for her brood,

And Socrates drinking hemlock,

And Jesus on the rood;

And millions, who, though nameless,

The straight, hard pathway trod —

Some call it consecration,

And others call it God.

Reading: ‘Ordinary Mysticism’ by Mirabai Starr (excerpt) (read by Jasmine) 

Welcome to the temple of your regular life. The garden of your days, the harbour where you catch your breath, the theatre of your relationships. This is the terrain where you wake up and transform. The sometimes chaotic, frequently fraught, unexpectedly beautiful domain of the everyday. You do not need to trek to a remote shrine in the Himalayas, enrol in expensive seminars, or convert to a new religion to connect with spirit. Your life is holy ground. And you are a mystic.

I know you are because all it means to be a mystic is to have a direct experience of the sacred. You have had zillions of those. You may be having one right now. Some resonance in your bones that whispers, Yes, I belong. I am intertwined with all that is. A mystic is someone who skips over the intermediaries (ordained clergy, prescribed prayers, rigid belief systems) and goes straight to God. Meaning, someone who experiences the divine as an intimate encounter, rather than an article of faith.

A mystical experience may or may not be connected to established spiritual traditions, theological structures, or faith communities. Mysticism is not about concepts; it is about communion with ultimate reality. And ultimate reality is not some faraway prize we claim when we have proved ourselves worthy to perceive it. Ultimate reality blooms at the heart of regular life. It shines through the cracks of our daily struggles and sings from the core of our deepest desires.

A mystic knows beyond ideas, feels deeper than emotions, is fundamentally changed by that which is unchanging. Mysticism is a way of seeing – beyond the turmoil, the rights and wrongs, the good guys and villains – to the radiant heart of things. The mystical gaze reveals the miracle in the summer thunderstorm and the bowl of ramen. It glimpses the face of the holy in the withered dahlias and blesses the sound of the siren in the middle of the night. It quickens the heart with yearning and soothes the soul with the felt presence of the sublime. A mystic gazes through the eyes of love, and love reveals itself as the only true thing.

For most of us, mystical seeing does not happen all the time, but for all of us, it happens some of the time. And for more and more of us, it is happening more and more of the time. In proportion to current challenges of systemic inequity and climate catastrophe, the flowering of grassroots activism and the uncovering of ancestral trauma in our own family systems, old filters are burning away and we are granted renewed access to the numinous nature of reality. When you decide to walk the path of the mystic, the mundane shows up as miraculous, the boring becomes fascinating, and your own shortcomings turn out to be your greatest gifts.

My friend James Finley – a living mystic if ever there was one – puts it like this: “If we are absolutely grounded in the absolute love of God that protects us from nothing even as it sustains us in all things, then we can face all things with courage and tenderness and touch the hurting places in other sand in ourselves with love.”

Words for Meditation: ‘How Does One Address a Mystery?’ by Gordon B McKeeman

We’re moving into a time of meditation now. To take us into stillness, I’m going to share a few words by Unitarian Universalist minister Gordon McKeeman, reflecting on the question ‘How Does One Address a Mystery?’ After that, we will hold a few minutes of shared silence, which will end with the sound of a bell. Then we’ll hear music for meditation. So let’s do what we need to do to get comfortable – adjust your position – put your feet flat on the floor to ground yourself – close your eyes. As ever, these words are just an offering, feel free to use this time to meditate in your own way.

‘How Does One Address a Mystery?’ by Gordon B McKeeman (very slightly adapted)

How does one address a mystery?

Cautiously—let us go cautiously, then, to the end of our certainty,

to the boundary of all we know, to the rim of uncertainty,

to the perimeter of the unknown which surrounds us.

Reverently—let us go with a sense of awe, a feeling of

approaching the powerful holy whose lightning slashes the sky,

whose persistence splits concrete with green sprouts,

whose miracles are present in every place and moment.

Hopefully—out of our need for wholeness in our own lives,

the reconciliation of mind and heart, the conjunction of

reason and passion, the intersection of the timeless with time.

Quietly—for no words will explain the inarticulate or summon

the presence that is always present even in our absence.

But what shall we say?

Anything—any anger, any hope, any fear, any joy, any request,

any word that comes from the depth of being addressed to Being itself—

or, perhaps, nothing, no complaint, no request, no entreaty, no thanksgiving,

no praise, no blame, no pretence of knowing or of not knowing.

Simply be in the intimate presence of mystery, unashamed—unadorned—unafraid.

And at the end we will say—Amen.

Period of Silence and Stillness (~3 minutes) – end with a bell  

Interlude: Hildegard von Bingen/Drew Collins: O Frondens Virga (performed by Andrew Robinson, Lucy Elston-Panter, Margaret Marshall, Benjie del Rosario and Nick Beever)

Reading: ‘The Mystical Vocation’ by William McNamara (excerpts) (read by Antony)

This reading, on ‘The Mystical Vocation’, was written 45 years ago by Carmelite priest William McNamara, and it emphasises the engagement of the mystic with the world-as-it-is. It’s a product of its time and uses male pronouns when speaking of the mystic – it was slightly too difficult to edit them out in an elegant way – so please just make the mental adjustment that mystics come in all genders.

McNamara writes: The mystic is not a special kind of person, but everyone is – or ought to be – a special kind of mystic. Mysticism is nothing esoteric. It is not the privilege of a few but an experience every one of us should know first hand. When man becomes as human as he can become, then he is properly and thoroughly divinized so that he thinks and loves like God, and mystical life is inevitable.

Mysticism is not what drug enthusiasts call “tripping out”.  It is more like “standing in”, alert and alive, with the highest possible focus of human attention on the present moment.  It is standing wilfully and deliberately in awe and wonder before the unrivalled mystery of reality.  Mysticism is not a pain-killer.  It provides no escape from the world but puts us in touch with the world.  The mystic is not a rigid, unbending, unworldly man. He is in love with God, with life, and is therefore supple, tolerant, and flexible.

Mysticism is not a way out of anguish, conflict and doubt. On the contrary – the deep, inexpressible certitude of the mystical experience awakens a tragic anguish and opens many questions in the depths of the heart. Mystics often suffer more than anyone else because they are so sympathetic and compassionate.

The true mystic does not merely explore his own consciousness but savours the Real. He is not rigid, unbending, unworldly, aloof from flesh and blood, the turmoil, chaos and pleasures of the world. Some of the most mystical people are deeply and profoundly immersed in the world, thoroughly engaged in political and social life. They are great lovers and great fighters. They are mystical simply because they are basically and essentially great lovers of God and the whole creation.

Mysticism is man’s long, loving, look at reality, to which he is united by love.

Hymn 45 (green): ‘Come Down, O Love Divine’

Let’s sing again – our next hymn is number 45 in your green books – ‘Come Down, O Love Divine’.

Come down, O Love divine, seek thou this soul of mine,

And visit it with thine own ardour glowing;

O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear,

And kindle it, thy holy flame bestowing. 

O let it freely burn, till earthly passions turn

To dust and ashes in its heart consuming;

And let its glorious light shine ever on my sight,

And clothe me round, the while my path illuming.

Let holy charity mine outward vesture be,

And lowliness become my inner clothing;

True lowliness of heart, which takes the humbler part,

And o’er its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.

And so the yearning strong, with which the soul will long,

Shall far outpass the power of human telling;

For none can guess its grace, till we become the place

Wherein the Holy Spirit makes a dwelling.

Mini-Reflection: ‘Practical Mysticism’ by Rev. Dr. Jane Blackall

I have a question for you to ponder: Are you a mystic?

Mirabai Starr says that you are – we heard that in the reading from Jasmine earlier – and that view turns up quite frequently in writings on mysticism. Mysticism is not just the preserve of some kind of spiritual elite; it’s a way of being that’s available for all of us. We don’t have to go and live in a cave, or stand on one leg for 40 years, or take a vow of silence, or spin like a dervish, in order to follow a mystical path. Yes, there are all sorts of esoteric practices out there, but there are also mundane ways of being a mystic.

And, as we heard in the story of the mystic and the scientist, mysticism doesn’t even depend on you being on-board with God-language (though if you do feel able to use God-language, or at least grapple with the mystical writings of others who do, it will enable you to engage more deeply with a long lineage of people who have engaged in the same fundamental questions of life and death, meaning and purpose, for centuries). But it doesn’t really rest on God-language. Mysticism is more about a way of seeing the world – a mode of perception – which puts you in touch with a sense of ‘something more’ – perhaps a sense of oneness or connection – the underlying nature of reality.

John C. Robinson has written a bit about this, in his book ‘Mystical Activism’, he said: ‘The mystics tell us that the cosmos is completely saturated and infused with divine consciousness, including us. They say the divine is closer than our own breath, nearer than thought, always present, and ultimately our truest self. In other words, we are literally made of God, for the divine is everything. If you want to know divinity, they say, know yourself. Mysticism is about perception – the direct and transformational perception of ultimate reality. Although it may lead to or confirm religious or spiritual beliefs, mystical experience itself requires neither, and can occur in the absence of belief or to those with atheist convictions. In this way, mysticism is in a category by itself, free from any particular dogma or theology, making it available and useful to activists across the religious and nonreligious spectrum. Mystical experience is the heart and soul of mystical activism. It is the key to transforming self and world, and the power we each possess to change humanity’s course in this apocalyptic time.’

Like I said at the top of the service, I wanted us to get away from the assumption that mystics are disinterested in the real world, or are trying to escape from it somehow. Maybe that’s true for some who call themselves mystics, or who are labelled that way. But there’s also a significant strand who combine contemplation with practical action. Beatrice Bruteau, the contemplative pioneer of interspirituality, wrote this: ‘Nothing is more practical for realizing our desire for a better world than mysticism. Better worlds have to be built on sure foundations; they must be able to withstand deep impediments to their development… Rearranging energy from within is what mysticism does. How does mysticism do this? Consider that domination, greed, cruelty, violence, and all our other ills arise from a sense of insufficient and insecure being. I need more power, more possessions, more respect and admiration. It’s never enough; the fear always remains… But, fortunately, everyone is a mystic. At some deep level, we know that we are not mutually alienated from each other and that we do have sufficient being… We are helping each other know that we are deeply related, that we are all precious and deserving, that the universe is our home, that we can feel safe on the deepest level of our being. The sense of oneness that is the hallmark of the mystic is increasing. This oneness – freedom from alienation and insecurity – is the sure foundation for a better world. It means that we will try to help each other rather than hurt each other.’

John Robinson’s book on ‘Mystical Activism’ (subtitled ‘Transforming a World in Crisis’) runs with this premise – that adopting a mystical way of seeing and being will transform us, and ultimately the world, in very practical ways. The book opens with these words: ‘Mystical Activism… is an invitation to transform your personality, life, work, spirituality, religion, even the world itself, to become a divine human in a divine world, and a mystical activist in a time of apocalyptic cultural, political, and climate disruption. To call these “end times” is hardly hyperbolic. We are in trouble and the signs are everywhere: extreme political divisions; xenophobic violence; wealth inequity; poverty and homelessness; persistent racism, sexism and ageism; cruelty towards indigenous peoples; arms buildups and unending wars; and, most threatening of all, terrifying climate disruption… Whenever humanity teeters on a terrifying cliff-edge, mystics offer hope, and it always begins with our own personal transformation… This apocalyptic time in history represents a profound evolutionary challenge urgently calling us to the next level of spiritual awakening. We are all mystics… those who pursue the path of enlightenment will learn to dream a new dream of humanity, replacing the illusions of identity, time, and story, with the creative power of love, beauty and enchantment.’ Words from John C. Robinson.

All I want to do today is encourage you to look at life through a mystical lens – to be attuned to the ‘something more’ (whatever you choose to name that deeper dimension of reality) – and interpret your everyday experiences in a way that keeps you in touch with the presence of God or the Good all around you. Reach out, in prayer, to that oneness that connects us all, ‘in whom we live and move and have our being’, for the strength you need to keep on doing good in this world.

In that spirit, I’ll close with some brief words of prayer, adapted from Clarke Dewey Wells.

Spirit of Life, God of All Love, Source of Hope and Courage,

we turn our minds and hearts again toward thee.

Awaken us again to the mysteries that humble us,

the realities that orient us,

the truths that judge and guide us,

the beauty that informs and ravishes us,

the love that nurtures us,

the fellowship that sustains us,

the creativity that heightens and deepens and reorders our living,

that we may give ourselves in honesty and openness to the larger life before us.

May it be so, for the greater good of all. Amen.

Hymn 235 (green): ‘A Melody of Love’

Time for one last hymn now, number 235, ‘A Melody of Love’.

God speaks to us in bird and song,

In winds that drift the clouds along,

Above the din of toil and wrong, a melody of love.

God speaks to us in far and near,

In peace of home and friends most dear,

From the dim past and present clear, a melody of love.

God speaks to us in darkest night,

By quiet ways through mornings bright,

When shadows fall with evening light, a melody of love.

God speaks to us in every land,

On wave-lapped shore and silent strand,

By kiss of child and touch of hand, a melody of love.

O voice divine, speak thou to me,

Beyond the earth, beyond the sea;

First let me hear, then sing to thee a melody of love.

Announcements:

Thanks to Ramona for hosting and Aisha for co-hosting. If you’re online stay for a chat with Aisha if you can. Thanks to Andrew, Lucy, Margaret, Benjie and Nick for lovely music today. Thanks to David, Jasmine, and Antony for reading. Thanks to Patricia for greeting and David for making coffee. If you’re in-person please do stay for tea and cake (Victoria Sponge or Pear and Ginger).

Tonight and Friday at 7pm we’ve got our online ‘Heart and Soul’ online contemplative spiritual gathering – this week it’s on the theme of ‘Choices’ – sign up with me if you want to get the link.

Wednesday we have the poetry group – that’s in person – speak to Brian if you want to come.

This month’s Better World Book Club will be about ‘Upstream’ by Dan Heath, which we’ll be talking about on Sunday 30th August, and I have a few copies of that to loan out.

Next Sunday, me and Patricia will be co-leading a service, titled ‘Salt of the Earth’.

I also want to remind you that the online programme at Hucklow Summer School will be happening later this month and there are a few places still available. This runs over six consecutive mornings from Saturday 22nd August, you can access daily talks and engagement groups via Zoom, at the cost of £100. There might be some funding available to help with the fees if you’re a member of the church. Get in touch with me ASAP if you want to know more.

Details of all our various activities are printed on the order of service, and also in the Friday email, so sign up for our mailing list if you haven’t already done so, and the summer newsletter is out (if you know anyone who might be interested in what we do then take a copy to give them for free). The congregation very much has a life beyond Sunday mornings; we encourage you to keep in touch, look out for each other, and do what you can to nurture supportive connections.

Just time for our closing words and closing music now.

Benediction: based on words by Mark Mosher DeWolfe

With what benediction shall I leave you?

This: In your life, may you know the holy meaning,

the mystery that breaks into it every moment.

May you live at peace with your world and at peace with yourself.

And may the love of truth guide you in your every day. Amen.

Closing Music: Ralph Vaughan Williams: Antiphon (Five Mystical Songs) (George Herbert) (performed by Andrew Robinson, Lucy Elston-Panter, Margaret Marshall, Benjie del Rosario and Nick Beever)

Rev. Dr. Jane Blackall

2nd August 2026