On my way home from Bible study this evening I was listening to a Christian radio program and the host was interviewing a pastor of a Presbyterian church in Blacksburg, Va (home of Va. Tech). The pastor mentioned a multi-church prayer meeting that his church hosted Monday evening and he shared about how the service ended with a story and a benediction by the Anglican minister. It was powerful and of course I was driving so could not write it down. But at the end of the interview the host mentioned the name of the pastor (Chris Hutchinson) and it sounded familiar for some reason. I checked an email discussion forum where I lurk, though not too frequently and found some posts/updates by this pastor. One of them included the benediction. I have included it below. Also, there is a link to a Washingtonpost clip about the prayer meeting. I know much attention was given to the University "prayer vigil" in which Jesus was not mentioned - but it is reassuring to know that faithful Christians were gathered together in other places lifting up the name of Christ during a time of such tragedy. Let us remember to keep these ministers and their congregations in prayer as they minister to the suffering in Blacksburg. Peace, Steve Post about the prayer meeting: 5) The Lord blessed the prayer meeting last night with His presence and ministered to us through His word and prayer. There are several AP and Roanoke Times photos of the prayer meeting on the web. One of the photographers told me how powerful the service was. It ended on a powerful note when the Rev. Keith Allen, of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Blacksburg told us of his email from his archbishop, Emmanuel Koliny of Rwanda, who reminded him of the large-scale massacres in his own country a decade ago, and told us he was praying for Blacksburg. He then reminded Keith of the African Benediction, which Keith then paraphrased and blessed us with: Minister: All our problems . . . People: We send them to the cross of Christ! Minister: All our difficulties . . . People: We send them to the cross of Christ! Minister: All the devil's work . . . People: We send them to the cross of Christ! Minister: All our hopes . . . People: We set on the risen Christ! Minister: Christ, the Son of Righteousness, shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path: and the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you, forever and ever. Amen. Washington Post video clip of prayer meeting: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2007/04/16/VI2007041601897.html?hpid=artslot -- ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Pastor Steven G. Rockhill Lisbon Reformed Presbyterian Church PO Box 88 Lisbon, NY 13658 315-393-9041 revrock@... http://lisbonrpc.port5.com +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++