Old Churches

As I wrote last year, Italy is littered with old, old churches.  England is similar.  We saw numerous old churches this trip.  One of my favorites was on the grounds of Windsor Castle, known as St. George’s.

As we entered we were greeted by an organ recital already in progress.  As we listened, I paused to kneel and pray for a few moments.  A few feet away was one of the greatest marble carvings Brenda and I had ever seen. It depicted a woman who had died in childbirth, and though the scene was heart-rending, the carving was breathtaking.

Further along we saw a beautiful ornate ceiling and a long vestibule leading to my very favorite part, the choir area.  The Choir area was unique in that the upper structure was marked with symbology of the 24 knights of the Order of the Garter.  Each knight’s helmet, half-drawn sword, and shield marked his place.  A few women were represented with less war-like décor.  Each of these had been appointed by the Queen herself.  The combination of military service in the religious setting amidst the beauty of the church brought me to tears.  I felt compelled to again kneel for a few moments of prayer for those who have given their lives in service to others.

That was becoming my newest habit.  This pausing to pray where, no doubt, hundreds of kindred spirits had prayed over the centuries.  We were separated by time, but united in our Faith. In the midst of strong reminders of our Unity in the Body of Christ with fellow Believers across the globe, we are likewise united by our faith across time.

Take a moment and think about the vast number of Believers who have preceded you.

Pray a prayer in unity with those who have prayed before, in the Name of Christ.  Amen.