Sunday, June 12, 2016

My dearest God,

No matter where we pause to worship, you are present speaking words of challenge, hope, light, joy, and peace. 

In the tiny village of Wyck Rissington, we walked in the drizzle to the small, old Episcopal church just down the way.  As we entered, we were greeted by Rector Rachel and a member handing us their Book of Common Prayer and a Hymnal.  We listened as the psalm, epistle, and gospel were read.  When we knelt to pray the rector prayed both for the queen's 90th birthday and for the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida.  My heart was flooded with a genuine warmth as a birthday celebration and a mass murder were equally lifted to the throne of your grace.

While we were foreigners to those who call England their home, we were sister and brother to those 12 kneeling with us.  We found the love of God included us all.

Blessed Lord,
how grateful
we are
to find ourselves
in the company
of family.
Thank you
for your word
that warms,
heals, helps,
and embraces.
Thank you
for prayer
that both comes
to us
and to you.

Love always, Andrea