Holding Hands

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:24-25

We make a squiggly human chain that winds its way through the pews and it’s one of my favorite parts of worship. At the close of communion, we join hands as our pastor prays the closing prayer. Groups of people contort and twist to make sure that everyone is included and connected. People smile and chuckle bending, stretching to hold multiple hands.

Though imperfect, it is a glimpse of community, and living in community is part of being a servant. It is sharing our lives and faith-even if we have to twist and stretch. We hold on with compassion asking forgiveness for failures, sharing the cries of our hearts, taking turns holding or being held, stretching ourselves grasping one hand on top, another underneath. In so doing, we pray that we use the gifts we’ve been given for the good of all both here and outside these walls.

Prayer.  Precious Lord, make our hands yours, in service.  Amen.

Deaconess Judi Duemler-Tyler, Phoenix, AZ