in His grip

I went to church today, as it's Sunday, and that's my usual custom. I remember the days when I would sometimes have to coax myself to go, when lame excuses would keep me from going. But I love my church, and my God, so it's easy to go. I walked in the doors today, to see familiar faces and friends. I'm so blessed by this. So many people wander into church knowing not a single soul, and leave the same way. I chatted a bit with some folks, and then went to sit down to enjoy the worship going on inside the sanctuary. I tend to sit in the same section, in pretty much the same row every week. I just like it there, it's comfortable, good view of the stage. I sat a bit for myself, then my friends joined me. First Jenn, then Crystal, then Natalie. Natalie was a surprise, she usually sits with her family, but it was a nice surprise. I attend a fairly conservative Pentecostal church. I love that we clap during songs, and that people feel free to raise their hands (especially because that's what I do). It's true that in terms of Pentecostal churches, it's tame, but I don't care, the presence of God comes regardless. Another thing I love about our "celebration" or worship time (ie. singing time) are the songs that are chosen. We have a six-piece band, and we sing a mix of hymns and contemporary tunes. I guess what I love the most, are those songs that are truly alive and feel like a celebration. Mellow and reflective tunes are nice too, but I love the energy and message of those songs that celebrate who God the Father and Christ are. The pendulum sometimes swings too far to the realm of mellow, self-reflective worship.

I leaned over to Jenn and told her I was planning on going up for prayer today and I asked her if she would join me. She told me that she wanted to go up too, to be prayed for by our young adults pastor, Tyler. I was glad seeing as I wanted to be there for her. As we were singing I was very much at peace and had dry eyes, ie. I was fine. We exited our row and went up to Tyler to be prayed for. I wanted prayer for my involvement at RockRidge this summer, specifically the financial end of things. As I began to explain to Tyler what I was there to be prayed for, I suddenly couldn't quite get the words out, and I began to tear up. It was cool/weird seeing as just a minute before I was perfectly calm. It's interesting how the Spirit moves us. It moved me right at that moment. It was wonderful to be prayed for. I'm glad that I felt the freedom to come out of my comfort zone, go up to the front, and be prayed for. Because I wonder how many people want and need someone to pray for them, but are afraid to step into the aisle and go. I'm more like that person sometimes.

Afterwards we returned to our seats. The rest of the worship time was so great. I will miss going while I'm at RockRidge this summer. I will pray for our times of worship at RockRidge. I think it's important to be free to worship in whatever way you want to, and feel comfortable doing it. It would be foreign to me to not ever clap, and not ever raise my hands in praise. But that's just me.

Anyhow, have a wonderful day,

Leah <><