Bob Grant, our church's architect, told me last week that his
computer had crashed. He had hired, at great expense, someone to
try to retrieve his lost files. He called Michael Bullock, the
pastor of Christ Episcopal Church in Manlius, to inform him that
some work Bob was doing for his church would be delayed as a
result. Rev. Bullock was very understanding and even composed a
prayer for Bob. I quote it below with Bob's and Rev. Bullock's
permission:
P.C. Also Stands for "Pastoral
Care"
A Prayer for those in P.C. Peril
O Lord, who dost order all things, even that which
existeth on a silicon chip: Hear our prayer for those in
peril due to the mysterious and demonic inner workings of a
personal computer. Save, we pray Thee, thy servant Robert
from the ravages not only of architectural despair but also
of sensing what a modern psalmist might describe as being
broken like a potsherd or lost computer program.
Give to him, Lord, a sense of calm presence, knowing that
he has been shown by thy most benevolent hand the way of all
flesh and data, that he may rejoice at this vision, also
knowing that at the last day, when he sits at thy feet for
the time of judgment, the terror of thy wrath will suddenly
be transformed to his mirth at the sight of thy divine index
finger pushing the "delete" button on the file of
his sins; that there being no record of fault he may then go
from strength to strength in the life of perfect service and
freedom in thy heavenly kingdom, where there is no pain nor
grief and all the computers work.
We ask this--with "full justification" (because
our software allows for it), in thy most gracious Name. Amen.
1996 C. David Hess