You and Me, God
By Julie Meisinger of Independence, MO, USA
O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things…He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness… —Psalm 98:1, 3 NRSV
I went to all the wonderful children’s programs at the Stone Church Congregation where I found a book called My Friend God. I grew up with My Friend God.
I walked down the center aisle of the Auditorium with Jon Meisinger at graduation. Duty in Vietnam delayed our wedding for several years after which we were married in the Auditorium Chapel. We taught our kids how to walk on the ramps. We spent over 50 good years working in the Auditorium.
One Christmas Day everything changed. Doctors admitted me to the hospital, and I knew nothing for the next month. I heard nurses say, “She’s not supposed to be alive,” but they didn’t know the power of My Friend. I returned to consciousness nearly unable to do anything. As I relearned to turn over, sit up, and dress myself, I saw life as far more than mere challenges.
Life is victories—tiny, often-overlooked victories.
As I faced each new challenge, I muttered my mantra. A nurse once asked me what I had said. I had not realized it before, but I always said, “You and me, God.” Through prayer, friends and family lifted me to the place that I am safest, in My Friend’s strong hands.
Wrapped in a loving shawl created by church women who use their time and talents to comfort a patient they’ll never know, I’ve grown stronger daily. That shawl reminds me I am always supported by friends I’ve yet to meet, uplifted by coworkers I’ve spent a lifetime getting to know, and loved unconditionally by My Friend who is always there.
Yesterday I walked to the corner—a stroll for you, a marathon for me. Today, I climbed my back stairs, alone… except for My Friend. My Friend walked me home!
Prayer for Peace
Constant Companion and Friend, may we always be aware of you by our side. Whether we mutter your name under our breath, or sing to you in clear, harmonic tones, we know you hear us. We know you are sure to respond and bless us with peace.
Spiritual Practice: Many Names of God
In many languages, God’s name contains the sound “Ahhh,” a sound we make when we are breathing out or sighing. Our prayer will use the Ahh names for God with a gentle arm movement that opens us to God’s presence. Begin with hands in front of you at chest level and move them up and in a large arc or circle as you breathe out each name for God. You may either speak the name of God or find a single musical note to hold or chant as you sing God’s name. Pray or sing each name several times as you call on the God of many names: Yahweh, Adonai, Jehovah, Yeshua, Sophia, Allah, Alpha, Omega, Abba, or “My Friend.”
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will be a faithful friend to another, as you have been to me.
