Humbly We Bow
On Saturday morning, my “Spring Fling” (that’s what we call our annual get-away) friends and I drove to the campus of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.
We arrived shortly before its chimes heralded noontime. A mist shrouded the campus, making it even more beautiful.
Building after building had the appearance of a Gothic chapel. The arches below were beside the entrance to the art gallery.
In the center of campus, we found the university’s actual chapel. It is located in the center in order to reflect the fact that the University of the South is an Episcopal campus.
When we tried a side door, we found the chapel open. The architecture is magnificent.
The side entrance honors Sewanee students who have served in the military.
On one wall is a memorial placed there “in thankful memory” of twenty-year-old Lt. Charles James Juhan who died on the 4th of July in 1944 and twenty-one-year-old Lt. George Clifton Myers who died on December 11, 1944.
The prayer reads:
Almighty God, humbly we bow our heads and kneel before Thee to render thanks for Thy mercy and loving kindness and for the safe return of those who fought on land, on sea, and in the air to guard our liberty.
Vouchsafe Thy Spirit to be companion and the strength of those broken in mind or wounded in body. Grant us so to care for them in gratitude and love that they may live midst security and merited honour.
Hold close in Thy safe keeping we bessech Thee, the souls of those whose sacrifice was supreme. Lighten the sorrow of those who mourn with the presence of Him who gave His life that all might live.
Grant understanding to the people of all nations, that Thy kingdom of peace be forever established on this earth through the mediation of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
This prayer is timeless. It expresses beautifully our own prayers for those who have served and those who continue to serve in the military and for those who love them.
The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
What amazing photos of an amazingly beautiful chapel! Thanks so much for sharing these! And yes, the prayer is beautiful and timeless indeed. The prayer, and the name of the chapel–All Saints–reminds me of a series of books I have so enjoyed by Jan Karon. Have you read the Mitford series?
No, I’m afraid to say that I haven’t. I have heard great praise for those books but I haven’t read them.