Sunday, February 27, 2011

Dear God,

You have taught me to watch for angels unaware. You have shown me how any moment can be a spiritual moment. You have invited me to anticipate your presence in any and all situations. You have readied my heart to meet you.

Nearly every Sunday morning I slip from the choir standing in the narthex to hear the morning prelude. By myself I step just inside the door and stand by the entrance to listen, to make my soul ready to worship, and to be prepared to journey a little closer to heaven.

As I began to close my eyes so my ears could hear more clearly, Chuck came over to my little corner. He asked how we were, my husband and I. He bent his six foot plus frame a little closer. In the few minutes of the prelude, Chuck shared at first his ache when he heard of our difficulties and then his great joy when we reunited. When I thanked him for any prayers he and his wife had prayed, he smiled as I told him their prayers had contributed mightily to our wellness, our healing and hope. And to top it off, he said, it was wonderful to have us back at our home church. We hugged each other remembering the countless ways our families had lived out our faith together at the church where my husband and I had served for many years.

When the announcements began, Chuck slipped away and I realized I had once again seen the gentle face of Christ inquiring into my well being. I had felt the quiet breeze of the Holy Spirit brush up against me in the power of answered prayer and newfound trust. As I reentered the choir to process in to the beloved hymn Stand up, Stand Up for Jesus, I sang with all my might acknowledging my joy, thanksgiving and praise.

Slip by anytime,
my Lord;
remind me
of your presence.
Keep me aware
and ready
to greet you
and to
be humble
and obedient
to your
loving call.
Clear my mind
of doubt
and resignation
whenever I
feel uneasy
and afraid
on shifting sand.
Cleanse my heart
and soul
of any
negative emotional
and spiritual debris
so that
I may be
worthy to kneel
before you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea