Over the past week I have been part of two services of Commemoration, remembering those who have both died in the last year but also loved ones who have passed away in years past. This is a new experience for many on our team because it’s not something that we typically practice in the States. It is a beautiful service that allows those attending to ask for God’s help in the grieving and loss, allows for reflection on the memories of those who passed on, ask for peace in the midst of hard times, and allows for physical acts of remembrance as well in the lighting of a candle and giving a card to God with words remembering the loved one who was lost. It is also a great outreach service as a majority of those who attend are not regular church go-ers. I had the honour to sing and play the hymn “Be Still in the Presence of the Lord” at both services.
Yesterday in England is what is known as Remembrance Sunday. This day is very similar to Veteran’s Day, which is being observed today in the States. Again, this is a beautiful service that remembers those that have fought in and given their lives in the
World Wars and other conflicts of war. In this service there was a wonderful prayer that I’d like to share with you:
O God of truth and justice, we hold before you those whose memory we cherish, and those whose names we will never know.
Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world, and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm.
As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future; for you are the source of life and hope, now and forever.
Amen
Last night we had a great time of worship and teaching. My housemate and fellow staff member Drew brought us a great teaching from John 6. It was a great reminder that God through his Son desires to sustain us, giving us what we need for each day. Two key passages from his teaching were John 6:35 and 38 (NLT) which read:
Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again. Those who believe in me will never thirst . . . . . For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want.”
I continue to be in a rich season with the Lord. I look forward to sharing with you throughout the week how God continues to speak to me, teach me, and reveal himself to me.
May we do and pursue the will of God, putting aside our own desires this day.
Chad
