[Faith-Talk] Longest night service

[Ericka]

Many people are saddened during the holidays for several reasons. I know that in my household there will be grief as my husband just lost his father on November 22. This was the day his dad was to be 85. We buried him Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.

Our church has a special service for those who are grieving. It is called the longest night service with healing prayers. Going up at Congregationalist we did not do these things. Is this a new trend or is this a tradition that other faiths do for those who are suffering from loss, illness and other frustrations that make holidays especially more difficult.

I think this is something that should be done through out the religious/spiritual systems. As someone who’s worked in nursing homes and turn a lot of homebound Ministry to seniors and their families there is a gigantic need for this healing. As the baby boomers get older and then my generation takes the senior citizen track it’s just going to be more and more needed.


Whatever your struggle, take it to God and don’t be silent. Allow your faith to give you peace.

Ericka Nelson