I feel the need to tell you that last Sunday’s healing service was very powerful and moving for both Julie and me. We feel so privileged that you would open your hearts to us and to Spirit, and show us your tender, perhaps hurt places. In my sermon I mentioned that I had changed my bedtime practice of noting gratitude to instead taking a few minutes in which I noted the myriad ways in which I might have lived my day differently or more lovingly. The important part is at the end when I release all my shortcomings so that I could just breath, and start again.
I’ve put that practice on temporary hiatus. When I went to bed on Sunday night, I saw, again, the faces of each one of the congregation who came back for healing prayer or a blessing. Then I added those who didn’t feel the need, or didn’t feel ready for those prayers. Then I imagined all of the people connected to Arlington Community Church, every child, every adult, everyone. And you became my prayer.
Every night, for the past five nights my bedtime prayers have been about and for you. For your lives, for your individual journeys, for those of you who are in physical or emotional or mental, or spiritual pain. I hold your hurt and broken places in my heart. For the many of you who have suffered the loss of a loved one recently, or who carry a deep care for someone who is very ill. Thank you for letting me hold these things with you. Thank you for letting Julie and I serve as your pastors for a time. Thank you for letting us use our gifts and for overlooking our limitations. Even now, we still hold your stories.
Now it’s YOUR turn. I was reminded on Tuesday morning that pastors need prayer, too. Whenever I left a spiritual direction session with Dr. Dody Donnelly, she would always remind me to prayer for HER. Both Julie and I are very human, and we have our own personal journeys, yearnings, hopes, pain, and brokenness. We ask that you pray for us. We may not share everything with you, but we seek your prayers and ask you to hold us in your hearts for just a moment, once in a while. You’ve thanked us for serving you. Thank you for letting us do our best to let God’s love shine on us all. Namaste.