Rev. Ray and Pat Amos

Joey Strickler Sings Just As I Am

Rev. Ray Amos – Altar time during worship is a very important time.

When we enter into the church we realize that we are together in His presence. When we approach the altar to stand, or kneel, in prayer we are personally seeking to get a little closer. There is something about this public witness of faith that is very uplifting to the soul. We can’t forget the woman who said, “If I can but touch the hem of His garment I will be whole,” She did touch God; and did so in public.

I do believe in altar call. It is a Holy moment to see people coming forward and reaching out to embrace God. These altar rails are like God’s arms saying, “Come to me and I will give you rest…” They have welcomed the newborn baby to church life; our children grew up around them, married before them, repented on them, and made covenant with God from them. The tears of generations have become like fingerprints on these unchanging rails. The altar has been the last stop for many who now kneel before the Throne of God with everlasting joy.

Last Sunday we rejoiced in the freedom of being in Christ. Our closing hymn was “It Is Well with My Soul.” The only way that I can describe the sacred moment is that it was beautiful. A newly married couple standing together looking up as if God was speaking a personal word to them; and He was. I saw in the eyes of a man who was looking way beyond the walls of the sanctuary. Several older members came to simply say, ‘”Thank you” to the longtime friend and sustainer of their life.
I met one of you in the grocery store on Monday. You inspired this devotion when you said that there were tears in your eyes during the altar call on Sunday. It was because you saw the older saints seeking a moment with God. You said, “They are an inspiration to us who are younger.” And they are; that is the plan of God.

It is written in Hebrews that “By Faith, Jacob blessed his grandchildren, and worshiped while leaning upon his staff.” Faith is an unending circle around a God unseen, but yet we see Him in moments of humble prayer. WHEN I SEE YOU SEE HIM; I am inspired to keep on. It’s real, It’s real, I know it’s real!

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray