Pray On!

Prayer seems to be happening. We are making deliberate covenants with each other. We are following children of the church with daily prayers. The PCUSA Moderator is using all means digital to access as many alternative modes of communication as possible, to reach as many people as possible. The tenure of Bruce Reyes-Chow is going to be fascinating as we learn more about the immediate process, thoughts, angst, and blessings than by any previous moderator. And what does this techno-savvy pastor value dearly? The internet? Blackberry? Pod-Casting? Prayer! Wait... Prayer??? The following is an abridged version of a post he wrote Monday, July 7th in response to his first weeks as moderator.

…While I understand the cathartic need to vent and react, I do think that at some point we must begin moving from where we were to where we are going…I have been in prayer more in the past few weeks than would have ever thought needed or possible. I have prayed for strangers, new friends, my family, my wife, my daughters, my church and my own personal mental and spiritual health…I have found great comfort from prayer, not only in mine lifted to God, but those lifted up to God on my behalf. I have found that, of all the gracious words or actions that people have directed my way, the most meaningful have been the prayers from those with whom there is some level of tension…Sure we say we will be in prayer for all of our brothers and sisters, but when I receive sincere offerings of prayer, I am given hope. It is not hope in the survival of a denominational institution or contractual relationship, but hope in the fellowship of Christ….If you believe some of the commentary out there, you would think that there is absolutely nothing that we can come together around. I just do not think this is true and prayer lifted up for one another is a good place to begin proving it.
Pray on my friends, pray on.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, Let us become strong in prayer, committed to one another, and mindful of your will. At a time when anxiety, confusion and doubt keeps us in a state of unrest; let us find peace in prayer. At a time when comfort, satisfaction, and assuredness keeps us in a state of idleness; let us find a revolution through prayer. At a time when disbelief, anger and rejection keeps us in a state of confinement; let us find community by way of prayer. At a time when love, joy and blessings keeps us in a state of thanksgiving; let us find empathy as we pray. O God, there is no circumstance where prayer does not change us, and does not draw us closer to a new understanding of you. As we seek your will for your people, we may not think our prayers are answered. Let us keep your will as our prayer. Pray on my friends, pray on. Amen.