Scripture: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 (NRSV)
Several Sundays ago, the church I attend in Goshen talked about the power of healing prayer. We recognized the importance of sharing stories of crying out and healing. After the sermon there was a time to go forward to be anointed with water and receive a prayer for healing.
We need to come to God always, even for the little things. Healing can be found even in the act of relieving worry. God does love us and saves us. God’s healing can be revealed in the form of the people around us. We are not alone.
I was reminded of this in 2009 when I attended Mennonite World Conference in Paraguay. It was at a time in my life when I was worrying about what I felt God was calling me to do. Toward the end of the conference, we shared communion and sang a song called “You’re Not Alone.” Even though I didn’t know the thousands of people singing, I felt as though they were speaking to me. I found healing in the words God was giving to me through other people that God had gathered “from the east and west, from the north and south.” The message was clear: I will never be alone and I will always have love and support somewhere.
I leave you with the chorus of the song (composed by Bryan Moyer Suderman):
You’re not alone,
We are one body.
You’re not alone,
We stand with you.
You’re not alone.
Your time of suffering
Is our suffering, too.
And I know the day is coming
When we will be rejoicing anew.
Scripture: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 (NRSV)
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
2Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble
3and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
17Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction;
18they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.
19Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress;
20he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction.
21Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
22And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.