The great and awesome power

Last Saturday night I went to bed listening to the roar of rain and rush of wind, and praying for Matthew to pass without creating damage in our area.  I’m sure you were doing the same.  About 2 a.m. I was awakened by the sound of our generator going on (it’s automatic). What a wonderful noise, I thought.  At least we’ll have enough electricity to run the refrigerator and make coffee in the morning.  The generator requires some TLC to keep running, and I admit that I become obsessed with thinking and worrying about it when it runs for a long period of time.  Does it need oil?  Does it sound okay?  Must keep it running!  Need power

The word “power” has been a part of nearly every conversation for the last three days.  I began to think about the meaning of the word power.  When power refers to supplying electrical energy to a device, it is a verb; when power refers to the goodness and greatness in our God, it is a noun.

Our liturgy contains numerous references to the power of God.  Here are a few: 

• Nicene Creed:  “…by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate…
• Lord’s Prayer: “…for the kingdom, the power, and the glory…” 
• Sanctus and Benedictus:  “Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might…”
• Eucharistic Prayer C:  “…God of all power, Ruler of the universe…” 
• Penitence: “…and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.”

We witnessed God’s power, not electricity, Sunday morning, when we worshiped in the Parish Hall. It was a powerful, beautiful, and intimate service, despite the absence of microphones and lights. 

After reflecting on God and his power, I am not worrying about the generator.  It is Monday evening, and we still don’t have power.  Electrical, that is.  However, the great and awesome power of my God never goes out in a storm, never fluctuates, does not need a backup generator.  In the words of the dismissal:  “Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.”

Elizabeth Koerner

Interim Minister of Youth & Children