Early in March I woke up with a hymn verse running through my mind. It’s a hymn we haven’t even used in the last three years, maybe even not since I arrived at St. John’s. So I’m not sure why I awoke thinking of the hymn. As I suggested to our faculty as we gathered for devotions later that morning, maybe it was one of those “God things.”
I shared my thoughts with our faculty in devotions that morning:
After 11 days of praying for a little more than one-half of our students (see my notes below), considering their strengths and challenges not only at school but also at home …
Lord, take my hand and lead me upon life’s way;
Direct, protect, and feed me from day to day.
Without Your grace and favor I go astray;
So take my hand, O Savior, and lead the way.
After a visit from the fire marshal and the changes we will have to make as a result (See “Fire Marshall Visits”), we are also working to prepare for the accreditation visit team, beginning some challenging conversations concerning the future of our school’s ministry, not to mention seeking a permanent leader for that ministry, calling an associate pastor and making plans for retirement. As my son considers a call to another congregation and receives inquiries from a dozen others. When the news is filled with indications of warfare between nations and news of people, including innocents, losing their lives as a result.
Lord, when the tempest rages, I need not fear,
For You, the Rock of Ages, are always near.
Close by Your side abiding, I fear no foe,
For when Your hand is guiding, in peace I go.
Nine persons from our congregational fellowship have, in the past six weeks or so, begun the move towards more homebound care, several realizing the need for ongoing assistance at home and another moving into a skilled nursing facility for the balance of his life. Several others have had procedures necessary to overcome a condition related mostly to their age. News that my mother has decided a cane is insufficient for most of her time outside of her apartment, she will now need a rollator to assist her.
Lord, when the shadows lengthen and night has come,
I know that You will strengthen my steps toward home.
Then nothing can impede me, O blessed Friend;
So take my hand and lead me unto the end.
O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
NOTE: For the season of Lent six others from our fellowship have joined me in praying for each of our school’s students. We pray for five or six of them each day after having asked their teachers for some insight into their particular needs or circumstances.
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