Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
that calls me from a world of care,
and bids me at my Father’s throne
make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
my soul has often found relief,
and oft escaped the tempter’s snare
by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
thy wings shall my petition bear
to him whose truth and faithfulness
engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since he bids me seek his face,
believe his word, and trust his grace,
I’ll cast on him my every care,
and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer!
May I thy consolation share,
Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,
I view my home and take my flight.
This robe of flesh I’ll drop and rise
To seize the everlasting prize;
And shout, while passing through the air,
“Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer.”
We’ll be singing this old-time hymn on Sunday. Whenever I see these words, I hear the quavering old voice of my grandmother, singing it while rocking some baby in the family rocking chair. In a very busy time (remember Canon Barbara’s warning about “busy” last Sunday?), prayer is not only about time spent telling God about our concerns, it is also about moments of deep rest. When we sigh, lay everything down for a bit and just step away from the noise and challenges of the world. The more we regularly stop for a time of prayer, the more we look forward to it. We don’t have to answer any questions, make any decisions, we can just BE in God’s presence. It is particularly powerful in the morning as it grounds and calms us for the day’s responsibilities. And again, late in the evening, it calms and soothes as we prepare to fall asleep, under the protection of our Good God. Prayer always reminds us that we are not alone in this life. God is God and, thanks be to God, we are not.
*Lyrics from Lift Every Voice and Sing
Praying daily with you, for our nation, our parishes, and the world,
Mo. Laura
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COMING UP!
- August 11-15 Music Camp, student show at 6:00 on Friday. FREE!
- **Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00
- **Saturdays, Seventh Day Adventist congregation, 9:00-3:00