Thursday, June 10, 2010

My dearest God,

I am confident you were in the room as 1,000 preachers sang the song It is Well with my Soul. "Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and has shed his own blood for my soul." We've all felt helpless in leading the church forward; we've known rejection, sorrow, deep disappointment, despair and fear. We have experienced personal troubles in life. Yet we lifted our voices, "It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul."

There is a strengthening of faith that occurs at our Annual Conference when we sing together. I always look around me while I sing; I want to see the faces of my colleagues. Many close their eyes. Several raise their hands. Many smile; some weep as they join their voices to make one body. We drink in the hope, the love, the peace and the joy you promise.

You are
our God;
we serve you
because you
first loved us.
We thank you
for faith
that sustains,
that removes
our sin
and forgives us.
We praise you
for inspiring us
and challenging us
to rise up
to higher levels
of trust.
Our hearts
are filled
with gratitude
for your compassion,
comfort and mercy
that has
spilt down
from heaven.
We sing
of you,
Gracious God,
and your
transforming power.

Love to you always, Andrea