On Tuesday April 20th I was invited by the Bishop to celebrate Eucharist with the Diocesan staff at Mills House. 

Unbeknown to me Vince Carter and the members of St. Luke's EFM had an ulterior motive!  During the service Vince read an awesome letter explaining that they had gotten me an Anglican Rosary that the Bishop was going to bless for me.  The letter will be printed in the upcoming Horizons and I've attempted to attach a picture to this blog entry. (key word attempted!)

This rosary was for me to take with me as I head to a place where prayer will be even more imperative than it is right now.  And the colors & stones each have meaning that will continue to remind me not only of God's presence but the spiritual presence of all the amazing individuals from St. Luke's. They also got me a pouch with the ACU pattern that I will attach to my body armor so that the rosary will be in constant reach.

One website when talking about the Anglican practice of Rosary states:

The use of the rosary or prayer beads helps to bring us into contemplative prayer, really thinking about and being mindful of praying, of being in the presence of God by use of mind, body, and spirit. The touching of the fingers on each successive bead is an aid in keeping our mind from wandering, and the rhythm of the prayers leads us more readily into stillness.

Next year in Afghanistan will force me to draw on the strength Jesus has given me through prayer and I am deeply grateful for this special gift!  It will give me a tangible reminder even when times are tough that there is a God bigger than whatever situation I am facing.  Prayer is vital when facing the dangers of going into battle yet it is even more important to develop the practice of prayer in the mundane moments of life.  Because if prayer is your habit - when you need God the most your natural inclination will be to call upon the One who is always there.

So as you pray for me - I will pray for you. God bless.