Wednesday, April 2, 2025
For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ~ Galatians 2:19-20
Written by Marsha Zandbergen | Deacon
This verse was part of my life from early childhood. It is marked as important in my grandmother’s Bible. (The ragged King James Bible I bring to church sometimes.)
My maternal grandmother was my early faith model and teacher. She taught me that God loved me, knew me before I was born, and had a plan for my life. Her own faith was always present in her interactions with me and everyone she greeted.
Her smile and hugs and blessings were always available without judgment or harsh words. She took the bus to the Mission two days a week to help feed the homeless/hungry and help sew quilts so those sleeping on the streets would “know God cares.” Lent with Gram was billed as a time to refocus on prayer. We routinely prayed before meals (sometimes, even after) and always sang ‘Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep’ at night. This tradition was part of my life, my children’s lives, and for years my children and their children sang it every night. It’s also been the closing at family funerals.
I have fond memories of “overnights at Gram’s” with Grammie in a nightshirt and a flannel night bonnet over her long braid. We would get on our knees at bedside and pray for every family member by name, the neighbors, the mayor, the governor, the president and world leaders. The importance of prayer instilled by Gram continues in my life still. When the prayer group began here at Pinnacle some years ago, I knew I was in the right place. I’m there every week possible. I have a designated “prayer chair” at home and sit every morning, with my cup of coffee, to pray. For years I worked at giving up something I loved to eat (the fasting part of Lent), but my love of chocolate... There’s always next year...
Prayer: Lord, may I find a “Prayer Chair” everywhere I go, and connect me to all others who pray “Thy Kingdom Come.” Amen.