It wasn’t until returning to Bakersfield as an adult that I felt led into the unique ministry of singing for funeral services. After having suffered great loss in my own family, I felt a strong connection to these hurting people. I knew exactly the intense pain that they were feeling and at the same time, the great peace that music could bring.
I have had some very interesting requests for music over the years.I remember one husband asking for, “You Picked A Fine Time To Leave Me Lucille.” His children wisely chose another song. There was the service for the gentleman who loved the song, “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” and when we started the song it began to rain outside. Strange, but true. I have sung everything from traditional hymns to the “Indian Love Call,” but what is most important is that every song held a special meaning to someone at that memorial event. I have been blessed and humbled to be able to provide that small service.
In addition to singing at funerals, I have felt a great burden to pray with and for the Pastors who preside over these funeral services. This desire to pray for these precious men and women of God has crossed all denominational lines. What saddens me is how many of the Pastors have looked shocked when I asked if I might pray for them. One dear Senior Pastor told me that no one in his church had ever offered to pray for him before.
I am sure that this is not the “norm,” but to think that any Pastor feels that he or she is not being prayed for, just breaks my heart. If you haven’t prayed for your Pastor lately, please do so and then take a moment to tell him or her how much they mean to you.