Last Wednesday night's Lenten service was beautiful. As in the week prior, we were asked to take a rock as we entered the sanctuary. I like my rock. It is an oddly-shaped stone -- polished, dappled with hues of black, brown and white, with a gorgeous pattern of lines. It is polished and smooth to the touch. I caress it throughout the service. I know what it is for. It is to represent something that we wish to hand over to God. I know that after communion we will leave it on the prayer rail, symbolizing that it is gone from our lives and handed over to God.
As the service begins, I contemplate what this rock will symbolize. I handed over my anger the week before. That actually worked really well, as I felt lighter after the service. Yes, I had most certainly handed over that burden and it was truly with God.
The service was exceedingly meaningful. It always is -- it touches my heart and very spirit. I love the way we have open communion -- anyone can receive it. It is a gift from God, and one of the reasons I love the denomination that I am.
I continued to think about my rock. Communion time was drawing near. I truly was a blank slate. What could I give to God? Anger, gone. Patience, I have. Relationships? Possibly. The ushers were coming. I walked to the prayer rail and kneeled... and I prayed. God, what is it I can give to you. And from that, came my answer -- turn your entire life over to Me. And so, I used that rock to symbolize my life and my obedience to His will. I would turn over my entire life to Him. And so I placed my beautiful rock on the rail -- and held out my hands to receive God's blessing. I thanked Him for the gift of His Son and the salvation I receive because of His sacrifice. I walked back to the pew -- at peace once more. I know that I am in His perfect will.
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