A Strawberry Shortcake Prayer

Philippians 3:10a "That we may know him

 and the power of his resurrection," 

      I can still envision the pretty tablecloth, fine china, and beautiful red strawberries as we sat around the table with dear friends and Jesus. Yes, He was there among us, in the invisible chair, but we could all see Him.

      The year was 1977…we were just beginning our first year in full-time Christian service at Sandy Cove Bible Conference in Maryland. It was there we met and worked with Horace and Carol Sue Perkins and Bill and Dorothy Montgomery.  They ministered in music and many other details for the ministry; such dedicated, talented, and precious saints who taught us much of our wonderful Savior. They were also instrumental in our transition into mission work many years ago.

      I remember that day so well. It was a humid Chesapeake Bay evening when Horace and Carol Sue, Bill and Dorothy arrived at our home for dinner. Dorothy wrote the Countdown song, still sung by children everywhere; we all sang that song around the table that evening, such precious memories.  Between them, they had decades of service to our Lord; we were truly in the presence of greatness, in a heavenly sense.

     As we bowed to give thanks Horace led in prayer. His sweet, soft voice calmed the air around us as he spoke to the Lord. “Oh, Lord, he said, thank you for these wonderful strawberries, they are so big and we can’t wait to eat them.” Everyone chuckled and dug in.

     Horace taught us something that evening; it wasn’t what he said but rather how he said it. He talked to God as if He were sitting right there with us, in that invisible chair. It was a loving relationship between them, like best friends who talked frequently, laughed together, and knew each other well. God desires that kind of fellowship with us daily; he wants us to include Him in every aspect of our lives, even our strawberry shortcake.

     Horace is with the Lord now, probably enjoying heavenly strawberries. He made a difference in many lives; by his example he gave me a desire to know more of God everyday and also make a difference in lives.

     As we strive to know Him better daily, through studying His Word and prayer, Jesus will shine through us, so others will come to know Him as Lord and Savior, and as a friend with whom they, too, can eat strawberry shortcake.