July 1, 2012

The opening verses of Psalm 130 read, “Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.” These words not only served as part of our scripture today at Community of Hope, they also are part of our mission—to give voice to people who often feel unheard, to provide a space for people to cry out for mercy who have no other place to cry out.

Today, people definitely found their voice at Community of Hope.

Dozens of people shared their prayers, which the community responding with the refrain, “Lord, hear our prayer”.

People shared times they have cried out from the depths of their life situations, the power of forgiveness, and how to wait for God.

However, most notably, people shared in song. The plan for our service was to have our two professional music leaders sing four songs. However, soon one woman who comes to Community of Hope rose to share the microphone… and then another… and then another. Four songs became five, six, seven.

The voices of those on the margins grew louder, and become the voice of the service.

The Lord has heard our prayer, community happened!