Thursday, August 12, 2010

My dearest God,

There was just something about singing the doxology before we ate the gourmet meal. There were eight of us around the table, three United Methodist pastors and spouses and one Episcopal priest and spouse. As I asked them to sing in thanksgiving for our time together, the food and our fellowship, the roof lifted as we sang out the words: "Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen"

There was a common knowing in the circle. How many times had we knelt at your feet to pray for our congregations? How often had we come with the name of a needy soul? On how many occasions had we pleaded for help, guidance, wisdom, faith, strength and courage? And more importantly, how full did you fill our buckets with grace, agape love, mercy, compassion and power? With more than 100 combined years of ministry and service to your church, we knew about which we sang!

Praise you,
Almighty and Gentle God!
Your faithfulness
to us
has been
your greatest gift
to us.
You have
blessed us
again and again
and we
just want
to sing out
your praise!

With great thanksgiving, Andrea