More on worship
This is something that I find odd.
There is a fellow who sits in church right in front of us named Ed. Ed is in his early 70's and he's developing some health problems. Specifically he is having little seizures and passing out. How do I know this? Well, because at least half a dozen times he's started shaking and seizing right during the service and I've had to catch him before he slumps to the floor.
The first time this happened it was right in the middle of the sermon. Our parish nurse noticed something was wrong and came running right away. She got him lying down on the pew and started feeling for his pulse etc. and sent someone to call the paramedics. In the confusion, the pastor stopped the sermon and everybody of course, started to crane their heads to see what was going on. Then the pastor said maybe we better pray, so then we prayed and sang hymns until the paramedics came and got Ed. Then we finished the service.
Since that first time, Ed has had maybe half a dozen more episodes like this in church. But now, we mostly just carry on with the service while the nurse and then later the paramedics tend to him. I am puzzled as to why we don't all stop and pray for Ed when he is in such obvious distress. I have made it a point to interupt my worship to intercede for Ed each time this happens. My question is - is that wrong? To interrupt worshipping God, even if it is to pray for another?
I have asked my husband to ask about this at his next lay ministers meeting. He doesn't know why either and he thinks that it is most appropriate for us to set aside the service to intercede for a brother.
What do you think?
7 comments:
In my heart, I feel you should stop the service, and intercede for your dear brother in distress.
I agree! Stop and pray!!!
Anita, I love your posts on worship, and I don't think their is a 'formula' to worship or prayer; like the old commercial used to say, "just do it".
Sweetie - don't take this the wrong way but I am stunned that your church family would continue service! What must the paramedics think?
My vote? Keep doing what you are doing...even to the point of stepping out of your pew and being near the gentleman - ESPECIALLY if you feel directed to do so! What a witness you could be! Definitely stop and pray!
Good for you for following your heart!
Beth - I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. I was almost embarrassed to ask this. And I hate to be critical of my church family, but it just seems so wrong to me that we would fail to come to Ed's aid in this most important of ways. Don't get me wrong - I know that there is concern for him from others, but what better way to show that concern than to lift him up in prayer. And never mind what the paramedics think - what does Ed's WIFE think??
I started my comment on this last night, but lost it, so here it goes again........
IMO... What better way to continue worship of our creator than to minister "one on one" to Ed? I would definitely go over to Ed and pray for him without being concerned of what the congregation may think. Who knows, some may follow you. :) And heaven knows Ed would be most appreciative!
I would definitely stop the service and intercede on Ed's behalf.
You know Jesus never followed the traditions of men. He truly cared for each individual person. Remember how he healed the man on the Sabbath and was berated? God will bless those that help others even if it is during their worship time.
In our church we would and have stopped to pray not just for someone who was ill but just for something that the Lord has laid on someones heart. That is the norm for us and happens almost every Sunday.
One the other hand we are Baptist and much less litugical than the Lutheran church. Added to that is the fact that we are an old fashion little country church so the members are used to the services going over an hour. In many churches if you go over 45 minutes the members start checking their watches.
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