On the last night of our Spiritual Rhythms trip, our group went up to a lookout with a beautiful sunset view. It was a time when we all came together to pray, reflect, and worship the Lord. We also had the opportunity to take communion in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. For me, this trip was very calming and relaxing after many busy weeks. During worship, my mind was clear of all that was going on, and I was able to focus on the Lord and see how He was moving and working in my time here.
While we were taking in the view, two of the residents led us all in worship, inviting the Spirit to come and dwell in our presence. During the first song we sang, I felt His Spirit and all I could do was fall down on my knees and praise Him. We sang many heart-touching songs, like “The Blood,” “What a God,” “Make Room,” and more.
During our communion, I spent time in prayer with the Lord, being present with Him, giving Him my pains, hurts, and hardships. This time it was difficult for me. I sat there frozen with tears streaming down my face. I could not let go of my burdens no matter how hard I tried. I pictured pulling a rope out of a tight hole, and no matter how much I pulled out, the rope was never ending. This is how some of my burdens felt, which led me to break down in sobs as I asked the Lord to take it away and free me from this burden that I have been carrying and no longer want.
All throughout communion, I sat there crying and praying. It was a moment, though, where I felt that He was holding me tight in His arms. Still sobbing, I had a couple of people come over and pray for me. As we wrapped up our night there, I looked up, the sun had set, and people were all around, hands up in praise, on their knees in prayer, or supporting those who needed it. I could just see the Holy Spirit move throughout everyone in that moment.
Once it was dark, we rode back on a trailer and I sat there pondering the moment I had just had. On the ride, I stayed silent but gazed around, seeing my surroundings. I looked up and the sky was filled with stars of various brightness. I remembered that God numbers the stars and calls them each by name (Psalm 147:4).
I am God’s child; He sees and knows me by name.
When we returned to the camp, I sat on the railing of my cabin with my Bible open, reading many Scriptures that I love and that have encouraged me. This then led me to hear God saying, “I see you. I know you are hurting. But I am going to be with you.” 2 Corinthians 1:4–11 is a Scripture about comfort, and I am constantly going to that passage because no matter how much I feel like I am suffering, Jesus experienced that, but far more intensely, and He did that so He can relate to us when we are experiencing our times of hardship.
That night I fell asleep with peace, knowing that this time is hard but I presented my needs to the Lord and asked Him to give me rest. The time in worship really hit deeply, and it is a time that I can reflect on the Lord, even in my emotional times. “I sought the Lord, and He answered me.” Psalm 34:4. I will continue to seek out the Lord in the times of good and the times of hard.
Karina Heier, Class of 2027
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