Prayer For Ivan McBurney

I had the great fortune to be Ivan’s pastor for the last four years or so. And on more than one occasion I found myself hoping that when I reached Ivan’s age that I would have a similar attitude. He was always so encouraging to me as a younger pastor, always cheering me on…teasing that he actually stayed awake for a couple of my messages.

I will always remember one particular Sunday, as I have told the story a few times over already in different circles, when we were teaching a new worship song to our congregation. Often it takes a few times through a song for people to catch the message and engage in a worship experience. But this Sunday, something about that song resonated in Ivan and I looked out to see this gentleman in his eighties with arms stretched wide singing his heart out to Jesus. I nearly burst into tears…never a complaint about the volume or these new dangled songs we were singing…just a heart of worship.

And what he experienced a foretaste of here on earth, he will be enjoying in its fullness for all of eternity. Peace to you Ivan…I will miss being your pastor.

Before we close the service in prayer and make our way into the reception area for some refreshments, the McBurney family has asked me to express their sincere appreciation for the myriad ways they have been supported and cared for over the last little while. The phone calls, text messages, meals, prayers, flowers and expressions of love have be overwhelming and on behalf of the family....Thank you.

Your kindness has been a source of strength and comfort to the family..so once again. Thank you. Would we continue to surround this family with love and support in the days and weeks to come.

Please join us for some refreshments out the doors to your right after the family has made their way out and been settled in the reception area.

Internment will take place after the reception (around 1:30). The family has asked me to extend the invitation for anyone who would like to join them, but it is quite a distance…2 hour drive…so they also understand if you aren’t able to make that trek today. Thank you again for being here as we celebrate Ivan.

Let us pray.

Father we a grateful for the chance to have known your servant Ivan…for some of us, we had the good fortune to walk with him many years, for others, his impact on our lives was much shorter, but still so profound. We celebrate his life well lived and ask that you might comfort our hearts as we say goodbye and continue processing our grief. We may not be able to wrap our arms around Ivan today, but we know that he has gone to a place where your everlasting arms hold him close.

Would we to live a life of worship and service that would reveal your goodness to others, that we like Ivan would one day step into eternity and hear the words ”Well done good and faithful servant.”

As we take time to visit and share stories this afternoon, may your Spirit remind us of the goodness that was in Ivan and the way you shone through him. May we laugh and cry, may we be quick to remember the beautiful moments we shared and may we bring comfort to each other as we walk this path together. Would you bless the food and our sharing of it. May we sense your peace and comfort as we have celebrated in your presence. May that same presence go with us until that day when we are reunited with Ivan and with you…we invite you to lead us into ways everlasting and would you be our peace we pray. In the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.