Reflections

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of officiating at a close friend’s wedding. While I’ve officiated quite a few weddings over the years, this was unique for a few reasons: 1) the strong existing friendship I had with the bride and groom and 2) being my first wedding not on church property. For both these reasons, I felt some nerves; I wanted it to be special but was a bit out of my element!

 

Used to bustling around a church pre-ceremony, I wasn’t quite sure what to do when there was a wedding coordinator to handle logistics. While wondering where I was needed and when, the most important thing came to me; I found where my friend was tucked away prior to the ceremony and asked if she wanted to pray.

 

To be able to hold her hands in mine and offer a prayer for the future she was stepping into was a gift. Out of all the wedding festivities, this brief prayer might be what sticks with me most, particularly since it gave me an opportunity to thank God for the role she’s played in my life. I’m so grateful I remembered to pray.

 

Throughout our lives, there are many moments we might pray if we are open to it – if we remember. Thankfully, coming together regularly at All Saints can help build our habit of prayer. Together we have a dedicated time and place to bring our troubles and joys to God. Hopefully, that experience ripples out into the rest of our lives, and we begin seeing, more and more, how prayer can be threaded through all experiences.

 

Recently, I was honored to teach sessions on prayer for our adult and youth Confirmation classes. As part of our discussions, I shared Henri Nouwen’s description of prayer as “listening to the voice that calls us ‘my Beloved.’” I hope you hear and feel that you are beloved by God anytime you walk through the doors at All Saints. Beyond that, though, it is something to listen for in all times and places. It’s also something we might proclaim and represent so others hear it as well.

 

Beloved, beloved, beloved – what might be singing this identity to you in your day-to-day life, and how might you find a moment this week to tune in?