Matt
Every time we sing the song “Agnus Dei” in church, I look out and see all the people acknowledging and praising our Holy God. I am overwhelmed with joy, humility and anticipation as I imagine being in heaven with God receiving the praise that he alone deserves (most of the time I am unable to sing as I am overcome with emotion). “Holy! Holy! Are You Lord God, Almighty! Worthy is the Lamb! Worthy is the Lamb! You are Holy! Holy! Are You Lord God, Almighty! Worthy is the Lamb! Worthy is the Lamb! Amen”
SAY TO GOD: “HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME!”
I formed a great friendship with a man from the Congo which included my family and friends. He was a refugee who had fled his country because of the brutal killings that took the life of his family and friends. We ate meals together, worked towards school and job opportunities, talked about our faith backgrounds and developed a strong friendship. I felt that many things I had considered problems or challenges in my life now seemed insignificant by comparison. I felt extremely energized to come alongside my new friend in whatever capacity needed.
SAY TO GOD: “MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE!”
I spent years wondering why God wouldn’t give me clear direction in my life. I felt as if I had heard from him, yet nothing seemed to come to fruition. I was sure I would find joy if God would just make things work out how I wanted. I was often joyless, frustrated and impatient. After many years, I learned to find joy in the Lord, not in my circumstances. There wasn’t one moment that changed my life. But time in the word and prayer helped me understand where my true joy comes from.
SAY TO GOD: “GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD!”
My refugee friends from the Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Sudan have all experienced extreme brutality. Family members killed. They fled for their lives. And yet through it all, many still praise God for healing and peace. I was amazed at the horrible stories they shared, and yet could still give thanks to God with an authenticity I had never seen before. Spending time with people who faced the worst human conditions possible, yet could praise God with all their might and enthusiasm, truly changed my life.
”SAY TO GOD: “DELIVER US FROM EVIL!”