On Our Knees for Our Country
Tuesday night my wife Cyndi and I were part of a crowd of 399 folks who gathered in our sanctuary for a night of music, worship and, especially, prayer for our nation. I looked forward to this event, because I love the music of Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman and others. What caught me by surprise was the power of the prayer time led by Louie Giglio. All of us knelt before the Lord and joined with hundreds of thousands across the country who were kneeling at the same time. We were led in an impassioned prayer for President Obama, Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump and for our entire nation as we approach this election.
We are engaged in a year-long focus on prayer; not only learning about it but doing it! That Tuesday night, when we joined our hearts together with saints from across the country, was a moving and inspiring prayer-practice in which we entreated the Lord to do what only He can do. No matter who sits in the Oval Office, it is the eternal God who sits upon His heavenly throne who will have His way with us and with all of his world… which, at present, seems so chaotic and frightening.
So, once again, as we countdown to Election Day, I remind you: be at peace! Relax. Rest in the comfort that comes from knowing we are God’s people. All will be well. All will be well.
This is St. Andrews Weekend, a personal favorite, living as I did in St. Andrews, Scotland for several years. It is a celebration of our Scottish heritage (so everyone must wear something tartan and come ready to sing along to the bagpipes!). More importantly, it is a celebration of our legacy of faithfulness… of those Chapel Hill saints who have gone before us.
This will be a rare time when all three services will be identical and all will be held in the sanctuary. You won’t want to be late! Please make a point to arrive on time. May this journey of remembrance into our past encourage and strengthen us for the path that lies ahead.
Pastor Mark
P.S. Saturday Night’s service will be held in the sanctuary, with all the Scottish bells and whistles, err.. bagpipes. Don’t let a 10:00am Seahawks’ game on Sunday keep you from being part of a really special weekend for the Chapel Hill Family!