Today we pause, regroup, take a deep breath, and allow ourselves to recognize we may be tired of the race; that some are broken in body or spirit, worn down mentally and physically from the last year. We take a moment and sit with each other in our individual and collective pain, loss and grief. Today we give space for healing, prayer, and renewal as we seek to encourage one another and find wholeness.
Using the symbols of oil, clay, and rock, we remember God’s presence with us.
Oil has long symbolized healing, cleansing, and anointing. It has long been used for spiritual and medicinal purposes. It has come to represent the balm that soothes our wounds, the agent that purifies, and the marker of our royal inheritance as God’s people. It is not the oil itself but what it represents that matters. Throughout the bible oil is used to wash the dirty, dusty feet of weary travelers as a sign of hospitality; or poured over wounds for healing, and the head as a sign of honor. Fragrant oil was burned as an offering in temples and homes on special occasions.
As you reflect on the oil, may it soothe your wounded heart or physical pain; may it bring comfort, peace, . Imagine the love of God, the hand of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit pouring over you and those places in your life which need
Scripture tells us that God is the Potter and we are the clay. In other words, in the hands of God, we are molded, shaped, and created into vessels of God’s love, mercy, and grace. God is continually shaping us and forming us into who we were created to be. The thing about clay is that no matter what shape it takes, it is still clay and it can be remolded, or reshaped into something new.
As you reflect on the clay, consider how God shapes you. How has this past year formed your faith. Imagine the love of God, the hand of Jesus, and the presence of the Holy Spirit shaping your life, relationships, church, and family.
The rock is a common symbol of stability, protection, and a sure foundation. Throughout the Psalms we read of God as our rock, our refuge and strength. Many grew up learning the song about building your house upon the rock and not the sand. We take encouragement from those who came before us and faced great struggle and pain. We look to their faith and personal experiences and draw comfort, courage, and hope. We share our own stories of grief, disappointment, and brokenness. We listen to our stories, recognize similaires, discover differences and cherish both.
As you reflect on the rock, may you draw strength and be encouraged to know God’s love is unshakable. God’s grace is unmovable. God remains our rock. Imagine the love of God, the hand of Jesus, and the place of the Holy Spirit providing the foundation you need to stand on each and every day.
Prayer - You are the source of strength, healing, and wholeness. You are the place of comfort, rest, and peace. You are the hope and promise of all things good, beautiful, and true. In moments of brokenness, pain, and grief, you collect our sorrow, discomfort, and tears. In moments of uncertainty, turmoil, and transition, you carry our fear, questions, and doubt. Wrap us in your overwhelming Love and hold us while we weep, tremble, and scream. Sustain us in your unconditional Grace and walk with us to the other side. Heal us body, soul, and mind. Amen.
Pastors Jenothy and Andy
Using the symbols of oil, clay, and rock, we remember God’s presence with us.
Oil has long symbolized healing, cleansing, and anointing. It has long been used for spiritual and medicinal purposes. It has come to represent the balm that soothes our wounds, the agent that purifies, and the marker of our royal inheritance as God’s people. It is not the oil itself but what it represents that matters. Throughout the bible oil is used to wash the dirty, dusty feet of weary travelers as a sign of hospitality; or poured over wounds for healing, and the head as a sign of honor. Fragrant oil was burned as an offering in temples and homes on special occasions.
As you reflect on the oil, may it soothe your wounded heart or physical pain; may it bring comfort, peace, . Imagine the love of God, the hand of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit pouring over you and those places in your life which need
Scripture tells us that God is the Potter and we are the clay. In other words, in the hands of God, we are molded, shaped, and created into vessels of God’s love, mercy, and grace. God is continually shaping us and forming us into who we were created to be. The thing about clay is that no matter what shape it takes, it is still clay and it can be remolded, or reshaped into something new.
As you reflect on the clay, consider how God shapes you. How has this past year formed your faith. Imagine the love of God, the hand of Jesus, and the presence of the Holy Spirit shaping your life, relationships, church, and family.
The rock is a common symbol of stability, protection, and a sure foundation. Throughout the Psalms we read of God as our rock, our refuge and strength. Many grew up learning the song about building your house upon the rock and not the sand. We take encouragement from those who came before us and faced great struggle and pain. We look to their faith and personal experiences and draw comfort, courage, and hope. We share our own stories of grief, disappointment, and brokenness. We listen to our stories, recognize similaires, discover differences and cherish both.
As you reflect on the rock, may you draw strength and be encouraged to know God’s love is unshakable. God’s grace is unmovable. God remains our rock. Imagine the love of God, the hand of Jesus, and the place of the Holy Spirit providing the foundation you need to stand on each and every day.
Prayer - You are the source of strength, healing, and wholeness. You are the place of comfort, rest, and peace. You are the hope and promise of all things good, beautiful, and true. In moments of brokenness, pain, and grief, you collect our sorrow, discomfort, and tears. In moments of uncertainty, turmoil, and transition, you carry our fear, questions, and doubt. Wrap us in your overwhelming Love and hold us while we weep, tremble, and scream. Sustain us in your unconditional Grace and walk with us to the other side. Heal us body, soul, and mind. Amen.
Pastors Jenothy and Andy
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