Aunt Bea’s Prayer

The following prayer was written by our dear Aunt Bea and was read at her funeral on March 16, 2008,  by her granddaughter Lenee Ligtenberg

PRAYER

Bea Vanderkolk

 Gracious God, our heavenly Father, we sing Your praises today as we remember those who trusted You in the past.  We remember the saints of old as they bore testimony to the power of faith and to Your faithfulness.  On this day, we remember especially women who responded to God’s call.  We are reminded of women whose stories are told in the Scriptures—- women inspired and empowered by God to serve in both common and uncommon ways.

DEBORAH, whom you called to serve as Your prophet, a military leader and judge, through whom You led the Israelites to victory over Canaanite forces.  RUTH, who moved away from her family and homeland, knowing You were calling her to something new.  HANNAH, through whose prayers and faithfulness as a mother You raised up her son to be a leader and judge over Your people.  ESTHER grew in understanding of Your call upon her, and at her own peril defended her people.  All these, and so many others who were Your servants, kept their eyes on You and persevered to become witnesses to those of us who follow in their footsteps.  Let these women continue to be our teachers, O God.

Our day also has heroes of faith.  You continue to call men and women to take up Your cross and follow You.  It is not always easy, but You have promised to be with each one. Your Word strengthens and sustains.  Your love is boundless and unfailing.  Help us in our moments of weakness to keep our eyes on the cross of Christ and to remember the price You paid to ransom us from the bondage of our sins.  Cleanse our thoughts so that we may grow in all spiritual wisdom and knowledge.

Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us as we gather here before You.  Make us faithful in everything we do and say and think.  Strengthen us to run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith.  By Your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world…until Christ shall come again.

We pray this through Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.