My brothers and sisters in Christ,
Not sure how people do it. Not sure how they get through rough moments in their lives without God and church family. Jesus says, “You live in this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33a). One really can’t get around it. It is going to happen.
Some of you know that my father passed away on September 30. He was in hospice for a couple of weeks, and he took his last breath in the morning. We are so thankful that my brother was with him during his passing. I feel that no one should die alone, and I’m happy he didn’t.
Even though I knew it was coming, it still hit me. Someone told me a whole generation is now lost. Both our parents are now gone. We are the next generation up.
Sort of numb right now. Hoping you all will extend me some grace as I grieve. I may not be at my best.
But here is the thing I don’t understand. How do people who don’t have a body of people do it? I made the comment at church this past weekend that I am so pleased that I have a church family. To be honest, my prayer life isn’t the greatest right now. Feel like I am just going through the motions. But I am so happy that even though my prayer life isn’t the best, I know my church body is covering me and my family with prayers. They are called prayers of intercession. You all are interceding for me. Thank you. It means a great deal to me and my family.
Never doubted the power of prayer. I know it works. I have seen unbelievable things that just can’t be explained in human terms. Our prayer chain is a powerful group of people who also believe in the power of prayer. Don’t ever forget to use them. Just call either Sue Flaherty or Eloide, and they will put your prayer on the prayer chain. By doing this, you or a loved one will be covered in prayer.
But for no other reason, Jesus prayed. Many times in the Gospel readings, the writers state that Jesus either went off to pray or prayed before he acted. If Jesus did it, it is something we also should emulate. Also, we have the Apostle Paul writing, “even though we do not know what to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes with wordless groans” (Romans 8:26). Paul goes on saying that God understands these groans because the Holy Spirit, “intercedes for all God’s people.” We definitely need to believe that the Trinity is listening to our prayers.
Prayer is just talking to God. You don’t need to have fancy words; you basically need the truth. The Psalms have been called the Jewish Prayer Book. We can also use it often. In Psalm 139:4, it says, “Even before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely.” That gives me permission to speak honestly. They say that the psalms are 40% lamenting, which to me means complaining. Our God is a big God; he can handle anything.
Finally, in John 16:33a, the “a” means that it is the first part of the verse. It goes like this: “ You live in this world, you will have trouble…” But then it continues: “… but take heart, I have overcome the world” (16:33b). Even though we may be in pain now, Jesus has conquered all of it, including death. Not sure what heaven is like, but I believe in God’s promise that it will be a glorious place. A place where we will be healed of all our afflictions ( I hope I don’t need a wheelchair). Not ready to hear that my dad is in a better place, even though Jesus was promising this all along. We are just travelers, sojourners, in this world. We should be standing with one foot already on the other side. However, there is so much work still to do here on earth, so let’s get to work. Let’s put our faith into action.
In other news, don’t forget that tickets are still on sale for the takeout Spaghetti Dinner on October 13th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Also, be sure and sign up to be a part of our Pictorial Directory.
Crossed marked and spirit sealed,
Pastor Tom
815-223-1144
Readings for the 18 Weekend after Pentecost– Weekend of October 11 & 12.
2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c Psalm 111 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Luke 17:11-19