By Cheryl Jones
I first observed this prayer cross in 2022 in Memphis. My 92-year-old mother had been hospitalized for surgery. When I entered the hospital, I saw the cross near the entrance. Paper and pens were available for anyone who wanted to write a prayer and leave it on the cross. I thought it would be a great idea for churches too, and thought about how to make that happen at my church, Skyline UCC in Oakland. It would be a place for all who come through our doors to bring their prayers.
After a while I began to wonder who would craft it. A neighbor, David Bradley, came to mind. David and his wife Barbara are frequent visitors to Skyline programs and have volunteered with Skyline members in service to others. When I approached them, he and Barbara graciously accepted the task. We reviewed the pictures. My brother Donald visited the hospital to obtain the measurements. David, Barbara, and I discussed its intended use. We then left David alone to do his handiwork. Barbara, my husband Walter, and I are in awe of the outcome. It is exactly what we discussed and more. One thing I wanted was for the cross to be shareable, and it is! It can easily be disassembled and moved so that it could go to Annual Gathering, visit another church, or brought to an event.
David donated his time, materials, and delivery for setup at the church. The delivery and setup occurred on August 3rd, prior to worship. The prayer cross and plaque are a gift and blessing to Skyline Community Church, the Joneses, the Bradleys, and those who bring prayers to the cross.
At the prayer cross there are sticky note pads in various colors. We use the:
- Pink pads for private prayers between you and God
- Orange pads for private prayers between you, God and the pastor
- Other color pads for prayers that can be shared with the congregation
Our recommendation is for the Spiritual Life Team to present a permanent plan for distinguishing types of prayers and for acknowledging answered prayers at our next church meeting.
Walter and I pray this cross will be a constant reminder of God’s unwavering love, grace, and presence in your life. As you touch it with your hands, may you feel His peace in times of trouble, His strength in moments of weakness, and His unending joy in all things.
