Local church offers 
community rock solid prayers 

Prayer rocks. That is the latest addition to the Prayer Path at All Saints Lutheran Church which is located, most appropriately, on Rockbridge Road in Lilburn.

The Prayer Path, constructed in part by Eagle Scout Ethan VanHazebroek of Lawrenceville, winds through the woods behind the church. Along the way ASLC volunteers have constructed several seating areas, garden sculptures and a bridge where visitors can stop and reflect on any aspect of their prayer life. But the rocks, resting at the entrance to the path, were inspired by a direct command from God. 

The idea developed in an adult Sunday school class led by Hilton Austin. 

“This memorial is based on Joshua 4 and inspired by a book, 'You Were Made for More' by Jim Cymbala,” Austin said. “When the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry land in the middle of flood season, God commanded them to take up stones and set them up as a memorial so when their children ask about them, they can tell them about the great things God has done.”

In his book Cymbala wrote, “We would do well not to focus on the troubles lined up against us. Instead, we need to celebrate the God who has already demonstrated His power and provision in our past.” 

“When we read that, it just seemed to all come together for all of us that we should create this memorial,” Dot Frederickson said. Frederickson, a WWII veteran, contributed a rock her late husband, Tom, pulled out of the Chattahoochee River about 40 years ago from their favorite getaway spot in the mountains.

Other rocks were chosen for other personal reasons. Sue Martinson, a breast cancer survivor, says she has much to be thankful for and considered donating a huge rock to symbolize that. “Instead,” she said, “I brought a bag of river rock to represent the many small blessings I received through friends, family and strangers.”

“The real beauty is that this is a memorial with a beginning but with no end,” Austin said. “God continues to bless us all our lives. People and their children and grandchildren can continue laying stones to memorialize and pray in gratitude for the great things that are yet to be.”

Pastor Don Hanberry, who will dedicate the prayer memorial this afternoon said, “I am happy to dedicate this addition to our Prayer Path. It’s a very appropriate thing to do, especially as it relates to the study they’re doing.”

ASLC welcomes anyone in the community - or the world, for that matter – to participate. Contact Austin at haustin337@att.net if you’d like to bring blessings to be set in stone.

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