Sunday, July 17, 2011

Dearest God,

"Will heaven be better than this," a friend asked following our worship service, "will heaven be better than this?"

It had been a great service, a marvelous testimony, a great message, an inspiring solo, and powerful music both sung by the choir and the congregation. People leaving for home went out happy, mystified to some degree by having experienced a bit of heaven.

Before the service when there were only two sopranos, my neighboring friend and me, we wondered if we could sing our part, overrun with altos, tenors, and bases. Feeling anxious myself, I suddenly felt courageous, strong, believing that we could sing anything God wanted us to sing. I replied to my friend, "don't worry, I will sing with zeal!"

I realized once the congregation sang 20 minutes in our hymnsing with full crowded pews and chairs in the back before the service started that you were powerfully with us. I believe every person felt your presence inspiring us to greater heights of faith. We sensed that we were not alone in the sanctuary but that angels and saints had come to join us in our worship of the one true God. We were ready for whatever you brought to us. We were open to the leading of your spirit to speak to our hearts of love, unmatched in the human world. We were leaning forward, waiting to hear more about your grace and peace. We were not disappointed.

Holy God,
full of power
and loving grace,
we bow down
recognizing your glory,
humbling ourselves
at your feet.
We have
been witness
once again
to the
incredible power
of faith.
We give you
our praise today,
tomorrow and forever.

Love always, Andrea