The Comfort of Prayers

A lot of lasts are being experienced…such as today.  My son’s last Sunday morning church service before leaving.  I could tell it was impacting him because of his unusual quietness. 

He has been raised in our church.  It is what he has known since he was just learning to talk. 

He has attended Sunday school since he was young, was then brought up in kid’s church during his elementary years and this past Wednesday was his last time of attending youth group.  Faith has been foundational to our family. 

Our church has always been great about honoring our servicemen and women.  Every 4^th of July they put together a very moving and special service.  The focus is always on the freedoms of our nation.

But they also present the flags for each military branch and then have those who served in the past come to the front of our church so they can be recognized.  Everyone in the congregation stands up and claps for several minutes. 

It is always moving to see those who have served our country be honored.  And this past July, I was thinking about how next year our son’s picture will be up on the screen, as they show pictures of those in our congregation who are currently serving.

So this morning our Pastor said that everyone should remain standing, as he called our son up to the front.  He mentioned how he will be leaving Tuesday for basic training and that he has a job in security forces. 

He then asked our family to also come up, followed by those who have previously served so they could gather around us and pray.  I tried my hardest to hold it together but the tears flowed as our Pastor prayed for his safety and that his faith would remain strong. 

When he was done praying, those who had previously served congratulated him and patted him on the back or shook his hand.  It was definitely a challenge to focus on the rest of the service.

I was so grateful for the sendoff.  I know that many people will continue to pray for him.  It gives me such comfort.

Photo by mmagallan in stock.xchng