Thursday, December 19, 2013

An Advent Prayer

Life-Giving God,

During this time of Advent, help me to prepare myself to once again remember your Son's coming to this Earth.  May I behold the love that led you to send him in the midst of all humanity. How wonderful it is that in seeing Jesus I can see you.

May my heart be a manger where your Son is born.  Help me to see what new can be birthed within me because of Christ in me.  May my living be a manifestation of the wonder of the Christ-child in me.

May Christ be in the Christmas that I come to celebrate.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

A Prayer with a Spiritual Twist

"I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of you hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which has called you..."  Ephesians 1:16-18

In this rather long passage from Scripture, we find the apostle Paul praying for the Christians at Ephesus. As I came across this passage the other day, two emphases hit home for me.

First of all, Paul gives thanks to God that they have received the Gospel.  Have you thought about giving thanks in your prayers for others you know who have come to faith?  Maybe there is someone who was baptized recently or even someone who has come back to church after being absent for a long time.  We ought to remember those for whom the Spirit of God has been working.

Secondly, I thought of how Paul prays for the spiritual enlightenment of those in the faith.  He prays that they might have wisdom and know the hope to which they have been called.  The wisdom from God is different from the world.  We can pray that those in the faith would have God's wisdom in which to be guided in life. I like this emphasis on hope as well.  With so much despair in our world, people really need God's hope.  This season of Advent ought to remind us that we are, indeed, people of hope.

In the end, may you have other believers in your prayers and think of their spiritual welfare.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Answered Prayer and Your Response

I have often wondered about the affect of answered prayer in the lives of people. Maybe it is to give thanks for what appears to have been granted from God.  God came through in a difficult time and there is happiness and a cause for giving thanks.

Now, I wonder, too, if answered prayer has changed the person who has prayed in a much deeper way.  I came across these words of the psalmist that made me ponder this concern.  The psalmist wrote: "I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications."  (Psalm 116:1)

Imagine the end result of answered prayer that leaves you in a state of love (or a stronger love) for God!  No, this is not a one time thanks for deliverance; but from the psalmist's viewpoint, that action of God resulted in a deeper change.  The psalmist felt a deeper relationship to God.

I invite you to reflect on your own life in terms of what your response is to answered prayer?  Is it short term or long term?  How will it impact your relationship to God?

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Recognizing Blessings and Giving Thanks


This morning a shipment of food was delivered for Elsie's Pantry.  How unexpected it was!  It's wonderful to discover how blessings can come at times when we aren't expecting anything.  It also is cause for giving thanks.  On this Thanksgiving Eve I find myself wanting to give thanks for the people who have donated food throughout this year for the food pantry.  These individuals and stores have opened up their hearts to help the needy in our surrounding communities.

I have been reflecting on what I as a pastor can be thankful for at Savior Divine during this year.  I list what comes to mind:

1.  Having a food pantry in connection with Moraine Valley Community Church that has helped so many people during this year.  (October set a record in terms of number of clients helped)
2.  For Moraine Valley Community Church coming on board in space-sharing with us at Savior Divine.
3.  For a repaved driveway thanks to MVCC.
4.  For the repair of our vandalized air conditioning system at no cost to us.
5.  For the repair of a broken window through the generosity of the member of another congregation and not charging us.
6.  For the two grants we have received for continuing our bus ministry for this year.
7.  For the dedication of members of Savior Divine in all their help in worship and upkeep of property and in the operation of the parish.
8.  For the response to the Discipleship Growth Study.
9.  For keeping our ministry going another year by the grace of God.

Yes, I am grateful and will give thanks in my PRAYERS for what God has given at Savior Divine.

How is it with you?  Are you thankful for all you have received this year that you can lift up in prayer? Having a sense of gratitude will go a long way and know that God must love it hearing every word of our thanks!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Spontaneous Prayer

My style of praying has changed somewhat during our regular Sunday worship.  We usually have the general prayers printed out in the bulletin for each Sunday.  These prayers  would not all be the same from one Sunday to the next.  Lately, I have switched to a different mode where I am doing more with just spontaneous praying when we get to the Pastoral Prayer (and even have some quiet background music!).

With this kind of praying I feel more flexible and can even focus more on major happenings - locally, nationally, or worldwide that may occur at the last minute.  I do enjoy being more flexible and feel it helps me to have more of an up-to-date ministry.

Now lets think about our own personal praying.  For myself, I have a number of things for which I pray at home - my godchildren, family, the day's work, for safety and protection. However, I do find that at times I am using the same phrases or have been praying for the same concerns.  Yes, I would like to be more spontaneous and move in a free form direction.  I don't want to appear stilted in my praying, but let it be heartfelt as I approach God in prayer.

So, how is it with you?  Do you feel a freedom in your praying or do you find yourself tied down to the same phrases?  Is your praying letting you be yourself and speak freely to God?


Thursday, October 17, 2013

Prayer with a Sense of Trust

If we do ask someone to help us, we usually want someone whom we know will come through for us.  It might even be someone who has been strongly recommended to us.  The psalmist in the midst of adversity was willing to place his trust in God.  We have the words:  "But I call upon God; and the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he will hear my voice.  He will redeem me unharmed from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me."  (Psalm 55:16-17)


Note the word of confidence here.  Against all odds, the psalmist is willing to trust God to save him.

This Sunday I will be preaching on the story (Luke 18:1-10) of the widow who goes before the judge and pleads her case.  In this story that Jesus gave, he mentioned that the judge did not fear God or have respect for people.  Yet, the widow's persistence gives a verdict in her favor!

If such is the case for this woman before a godless judge, how much more will God do for us.  In other words, we can wholeheartedly place our trust in God who is compassionate and desires our good above all else. Are you willing to pray with such trust?

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Praying Toward Healing

This Sunday is another opportunity to receive the individual prayer for the healing of body, mind, and spirit.  The prayer is holistic in nature.  It recognizes that there are many ways we do experience brokenness in our lives.

This concern for healing goes beyond a broken leg that needs fixing.  It can include dealing with guilt or even a broken spirit. Maybe you have found yourself buried in some wrong you committed that just won't go away. Healing means receiving the forgiveness from God.  Do you have a crushed spirit?  Maybe you have been depressed lately and see no hope in your life.  Here is where God's sustaining power can come into play.  You grow deeper in faith and trust God for your future.

Yes, God can provide healing regarding any way in which you experience brokenness.  The big question for you is: Do you want to be healed?

If you do desire healing, then you need to approach God in prayer for receiving what is needed.  You might not be able to second guess how it will happen; yet in God's own way, healing can come.  I would dare say it might even be in a growing relationship with the Lord.  Will you open yourself to prayer?

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

To Pray or Not to Pray

There are times when we may actually deliberate about prayer. To pray or not to pray is what we mull over in our minds.  Am I really in need of God's help or could I wing it on my own.  Consider what not praying might be saying about you.

1.  I don't need God, I am self-sufficient for the task.
2.  I doubt whether God would want to help me in this situation.
3.  I don't have the time to get into a deep relationship with God.
4.  I am not worthy for God to respond to my request.

We could list one reason after another as to why we aren't praying for an important matter in our lives or for a particular circumstance that may affect the lives of others.  Maybe we need to rethink prayer and what it all means.
 1.  Do I believe in the relationship it establishes with God?
 2.  Might it not change my attitude about a certain circumstance?
 3. Might it reveal a weakness I have about being self-sufficient?
 4. Might it be too much of a surprise in terms of what prayer could do?

When we choose to pray, we are showing a different mind-set about how we view the world and even ourselves.  We acknowledge that we are the creatures and God is the Creator.  It is God who has the power and can do all things, even beyond our own imagination.  So does the choice come to you often or are you deeply rooted in a life of prayer?

Friday, August 30, 2013

Surrendering Yourself in Prayer


As we pray, it would seem like we need to have a certain openness, not only to what the end result might be, but also during the actual time we are praying. We must be able to be fully present with God during this engaging and personal time.  I would once again refer to what Henri Nouwen wrote about prayer as taken from The Only Necessary Thing, compiled and edited by Wendy Wilson Greer.

Nouwen writes:  "The wisdom of the desert is that the confrontation with our own frightening nothingness forces us to surrender ourselves totally and unconditionally to the Lord Jesus Christ."  Nouwen highlights the importance of finding a place of solitude where we can focus entirely on our experience with God.  Of course, we know there are many things that can enter our minds, maybe not related to what we want to bring before God.

Nouwen highlights the need here for surrender. I believe he means that I am willing to turn over my entire self to God in prayer
Let me offer some suggestions about surrender:
1. I will be honest about my situation, knowing that God knows me completely.
2. I will be willing to change to conform my life to what God desires.
3. I will be willing to admit my falling short of what God expected of me (repentance).
4. I will accept what God's will is for my life.
5. I will believe that God is one who desires nothing more than seeking the good that can come from me.

We may need to think about this openness, this surrender, as we do bring ourselves to a time of prayer.  What else might you add?

Friday, August 23, 2013

Scheduling Prayer Time

While we often think of prayer as being a standard component in worship or maybe as a spontaneous activity in our lives throughout the week, the activity of praying may come mainly when we are in crisis or have something for which we want to express thanks.  However, what if we were to schedule time of prayer throughout the week?

Henri Nouwen writes about such a discipline as described in The Only Necessary Thing, compiled and edited by Wendy Wilson Greer. Nouwen says that we do not take the spiritual life seriously if we do not set aside time to be with God.  "We may have to write it in black and white in our daily calendar so that nobody else can take away this period of time."

What do you think about doing this in regard to prayer?  Are you that disciplined?  I know for myself, I usually have time for prayer after eating breakfast.  In a way it is sort of fixed time.  However, other times come more spontaneously when I want to give thanks or have a request.  I wonder, though, what if I were to put on my calendar a specific time when I was going to pray during the week?  I wonder if it would change the content of my praying? Would praying take on a new meaning?  Would it become more of a priority in my life? 

I will ponder Nouwen's suggestion some more.  I have the feeling it might change my relationship with God for the better.  Feel free to let me know how you allot time for prayer in your own life.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Giving God our Undivided Attention

I want to continue with touching on the book The Only Necessary Thing, writings of Henri Nouwen compiled and edited by Wendy Wilson Greer.  I came across  the statement that Nouwen makes that "we need to set aside a time and space to give God our undivided attention."  Jesus told us to go to a room and shut the door (Matt. 6:6) and we know that Jesus would often go off by himself to have private time for prayer.

I can't but help to think of all the distractions that occur in my life.  In my own condo, there is often outside noise of traffic or of contractors.  There are other people coming and going in my building.  I might hear some music playing loudly from a passing car or the sirens of the police or fire trucks.

But then, there are the distractions brought on by myself.  While I want to find the quiet time, my mind might wander to what I will do later in the day or the next day.  Or I might be upset about something and can't get it out of my mind. The telephone might ring only to find it is a telemarketer.

As I do find that precious time to be alone with God, I find it helpful first to meditate on the three persons of the Trinity.  That way I am indicating that I am giving my undivided attention to God. The focus of my attention will be on God.  As I get deeper in my quiet time and go into prayer, I try to be in a posture where I can be fully open to God.

How do you deal with the distractions of life and how might you put yourself in a position to give your undivided attention to God?

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Being Fully Open to God

This week I have been reading through a collection of writings by Henri Nouwen on prayer with the book The Only Necessary Thing, compiled and edited by Wendy Wilson Greer.

In one of his writings Nouwen states:  "Prayer is the act by which we divest ourselves of all false belongings and become free to belong to God and God alone."  It is Nouwen's conviction that it's easy for us to see our lives in the context of the structures of this world.  We also want control of our own lives.

It is through prayer that we divest of ourselves of such "structures."  We begin to see that in reality we are God's and are defined by the Almighty and enter into a different realm of existence.  Through prayer we also would leave space and time.  We never know where a prayer will be answered.  We don't even know when.  Anything is possible.

Yes, in prayer we place ourselves within God's structure of working.  While this might be somewhat fearful or cause us anxiety, it can also be freeing.  What God will do is not dependent on my own existence and the powers that be.  God is the one in full control!

Do you feel this sense of freedom as you pray?  The next time you pray think about the fact that you are turning everything over to God and God's workings.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Being Taught How to Pray

This Sunday the Gospel reading focuses on prayer, giving us what we call The Lord's Prayer and also a parable that Jesus told regarding prayer.

The reading begins with these words about Jesus:  "He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, Lord teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples."  Luke 11:1

I believe we are all students of prayer; we all are on this journey of traveling in faith where we may desire to speak to God.  Don't we know how difficult communication can be among us as human beings?  Now consider our speaking to God, the One who made us - the One who is holy and blameless.  How do we do it with meaning, and perhaps even with proper etiquette and if you will, humility?

Jesus gave his disciples words to use in what folks in many churches will pray every Sunday.  One wonders if we are to use the exact words Jesus gave or did these words serve merely as a model giving us structure and content?   Whatever it may be, we have a direction in our praying.  Jesus wanted us to be able to speak to his heavenly Father.

He then gave them a parable, teaching them to be persistent in prayer.  How often do you pray?  Do you feel prayer is making a difference in your life?

Monday, June 24, 2013

Risking One's Life in High-Wire Walking and Praying

On Sunday, June 23, Nik Wallenda accomplished another risky endeavor.   He walked on a high-wire suspended 1,500 feet above the Little Colorado River Gorge.   Nik is one of the "Flying Wallendas."  The walk was broadcast live on the Discovery Channel.   It was risky, to say the least, with no net underneath him.  However, in addition to getting updates on the wind situation, he was constantly in prayer.  It was one of thankfulness for the beauty of what he saw as well as praying for calm wind.

His praying was done because he was in a risky situation.  His life was on the line!  This event made me think about how much we are willing to take RISKS for the sake of the kingdom of God.  Maybe it is that we are willing to speak to someone about our faith and not knowing how we will be accepted. Maybe it is that we are willing to help someone in need - who is a stranger and not know how this individual will respond.

Here's the question I would like to leave with you in light of Nik's courageous event.  Is what you are doing right now for God's kingdom enough of a risk that it calls for prayer?


Friday, June 7, 2013

The Power of the Church Praying

The church collectively has been offering up prayers for all kinds of situations - for individuals who are sick, for those going through troubling times, for peace in our world, for national leaders, etc.

Do you believe all this praying is worth it?  Let me suggest that we can never discount the power of such praying.  A vivid example comes from Scripture.  In Acts 12 we read of the apostle Peter being taken prisoner by King Herod.  There were four squads of soldiers guarding Peter and he was bound in chains.  There was absolutely no way he was going to escape on his own!

Then, we read these words:  "While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him."  (Acts 12:5)  Do you think this made a difference?  It most certainly did!  As Luke tells us:  "Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell."  (verse 7)  An angel woke Peter up from sleeping and Peter's chains fell off and escorted him out of the prison.

Sometimes, we wonder about the effectiveness of such praying since it seems to go on week after week in many churches throughout our land and the world.  Yet, we can never undervalue the power and effectiveness of the church praying.  Maybe one day God will surprise us for what we have been praying. Church - keep on praying!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

My Food Pantry Prayers

Every Thursday afternoon I go downstairs to the food pantry at the church and have a time of prayer with the volunteers minutes before the pantry opens.  As I do so, it reminds me that the pantry is indeed a ministry  in itself. I pray in recognition that the pantry is a God-given opportunity to reach out to people, to be Jesus hands and feet to those in our neighboring communities.

Here are usually the points in my prayer.

1.  Thank God for the volunteers (usually seven to eight people show up to help each week)
2.  Thank God for the food that has arrived during the week from local grocery stores or from donations by individuals.
3.  Pray for the clients who come that they not only will be nourished by the food they receive, but also experience God's love by coming to the pantry.
4.  Pray for the clients to be strengthened in their daily lives and be able to cope with the many issues that they must be facing, that go beyond their need for food.

As I have greeted the clients arriving and have had some time to chat with them, some of them have revealed their need for personal prayer.  I am able to offer up their concerns to God.

Yes, the act of praying keeps me firmly rooted in this being a ministry.

[Elsie's Food Pantry is a joint ministry of Savior Divine Lutheran Church and Moraine Valley Community Church]

Friday, May 17, 2013

The Comfort of Many Prayers

Recently, my mother entered respite care.  Hopefully, it will only be a short duration.  I have been praying for her in my daily prayers.  Her name is also lifted up on Sundays in my church.

This past week, someone I know mentioned that her church has also been praying for my mother.  This made me stop and think of the many prayers being offered up on behalf of her.  The church at large comes into play.

In addition to these prayers, there are the prayers by Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  Jesus is one who intercedes to God the Father for us.  The Holy Spirit prays as well in sighs too deep for us to comprehend.

It's quite a feeling to know how the community of the church and also the divine being of God all play a role in the concern for one individual.  It makes me feel that we are never alone in this world, even in our greatest time of need.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

While Praying - Anything Can Happen

A couple of Sundays ago, I had preached on the story of Peter having a special vision that resulted in him going to the home of Cornelius where his family heard the good news and were baptized. (Acts 11)

Here's what really struck me about this story...

Cornelius was praying and all of a sudden an angel appears before him.  The angel instructs him to send a messenger to Peter and ask him to come.  (Acts 10:30-32)

Then, we have Peter who is praying in Joppa and while praying he has a vision.  It's one of a large sheet filled with animals coming down from heaven.  Peter is told to eat the animals even though they are unclean.  The long story short -- is that Peter would end up at the home of Cornelius because God's word is now being extended to the Gentiles.

What blew me away was what happened to both Peter and Cornelius while praying.  I don't know if anything as dramatic as what they experienced would happen to us, but it does make me see something about praying and connecting to God.  I believe we never know what God can do. Maybe a special thought will enter your mind.  Maybe the phone will ring with news you have been waiting to hear.  So, how is it with your praying?  Do you believe that in connecting with God, God wants to intervene in your life?

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Praying in Old Age

"Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent."  Psalm 71:9

Prayer is a lifelong adventure.  There is always something for which to pray.  We are never too old in which to pray.  Hopefully we grow in our praying through the years.

As we enter old age our situation also changes.  We might find our health declining, and we might find that more of our friends (and family) have died.  Loneliness might become an issue for us.  While much in our lives might be declining, we might simply find ourselves leaning more on faith.  Our faith may be given more attention.  Then, too, we might be preparing ourselves for our heavenly home.

The psalmist here may have struggled with many difficult situations throughout life; yet, in old age is still willing to remain faithful to God.  God can still be trusted.  It might be the one resource that will sustain us - even in our old age.

Friday, March 29, 2013

A Prayer from the Cross

Jesus prayed up until the hour of his death.  What dramatic endurance and faith we find as we remember our Lord's death on this day.

We would recall the example of Jesus praying:  "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)  Rather than seeking revenge or speaking words of anger, we discover him praying for forgiveness upon those who crucified him.  It might be hard to imagine such a prayer coming from one who was weak, battered, and felt deserted.  Yet, love still resided in him at the final hour of his death.

What words we find here - asking for forgiveness on those putting him to death.  Jesus realized their own ignorance.  Isn't it the same with us that we don't always know what we are doing?  We might at times deny our Lord - we don't realize it?  Jesus still pleads for forgiveness for you and me.

I hope that Jesus' prayer will serve as an example of the power of faith to you.  May you be deepened in your own prayer life through what Jesus did and said on the cross.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Book on Prayer

I have read through the book Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge by Mark Batterson for this season of Lent and found it very inspiring.  I have always enjoyed being renewed in my life of prayer.

The author ends the book by saying "Prayer is the difference between appointments and divine appointments.  Prayer is the difference between good ideas and God-ideas.  Prayer is the difference between the favor of God and the luck of the draw.  Prayer is the difference between closed doors and open doors.  Prayer is the difference between possible and impossible.  Prayer is the difference between the best we can do and the best God can do."    

I firmly believe as well that the discipline of prayer is essential for the person of faith.  God has given us the privilege to enter into conversation.  We can draw near to God with our deepest concerns.  Of course, there are the many promises in find in Scripture in regard to prayer.  We have every reason to pray!

Here is a book that is beneficial to read to help give you more confidence in your praying.  Have you even read much on prayer to help you along in this discipline?

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Praying for People to Do God's Work

I began reading through the book Prayer by Ole Hallesby, which I had read many years ago.  One emphasis popped out at me.  It was that we would pray for God to send us people to do work in the kingdom.  Hallesby referred to Matthew 9:37-38 "Jesus said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore, the Lord of harvest, to send out laborers into his harvest."    He makes the statement that while we may be praying  for workers already in God's kingdom (those doing church work), we also need to pray for God to be sending us new people.

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about praying for our missionaries.  We certainly need to pray for them.  I realize now that I also need to be praying for new people to be laborers in doing God's work.  Yes, we might just say a general prayer in this regard to God.  Or we could be praying for someone whom we recognize might have some talent that God could use to further the kingdom..  Or maybe we get an inkling that a person shows an interest in the church and we pray for that person.

I believe that this doesn't necessarily mean we are praying for full-time paid church workers.  It means that we are praying for people to come forward and take up the task of service and of being witnesses to others.  Today, it seems more than ever, we are in need of creative ways of doing ministry in order to reach all kinds of folks.  There are people out there who can help.  Our prayers will help to raise up new people for doing God's work. 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Prayer in Time of a Severe Illness

This coming Sunday, I once again am offering the individual prayer for health and healing to worshipers.  It is a prayer for the healing of body, mind, and spirit.  I am doing this prayer in conjunction with Psalm 6, the text for my message on Sunday.  The psalmist cries out:  "O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror."  (Psalm 6:2)  The psalmist was at the point of death.

In time of illness, we might make use of the medical profession.  We must remember that their work is considered part of the healing arts. In addition, we can draw upon divine help and ask God for intervention. 

There is nothing wrong with asking for divine help.  King Hezekiah was sick and at the point of death and offered up prayer to God. (2 Kings 20:1-6)    He had been confronting an invasion from the Assyrians.  Yet, the king still felt he had a mission to fulfill.  As a result, he prayed and the prophet Isaiah came and told the king that 15 years would be added to his life.

When we do pray in the case of a severe illness, might it not be okay to ask God for more time, believing that we have a mission to fulfill?  We might feel our work on Earth is not yet done.

The main thing here is that we ask in faith.  What a powerful resource we have in prayer and also know that we are praying, too, for God's will to be done in our lives.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Ash Wednesday Prayer

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent and is also a time of introspection.  We come to look more closely at our own sin and how we have fallen short of God's expectations.  This day ought to put in focus more the need for a Savior and also that we would be more appreciative of Jesus' suffering and the giving up of his life on the cross.

While we might look at our own sin, we also hope to be changed in order to live more in God's ways.  Lent is a time of renewal.  We would hope maybe to see what needs to be changed in our lives.

The traditional psalm for this day is Psalm 51.  It has the words:  "Create in me a clean heart, O God."  (vs. 10)  I hope that this would be your prayer on this day.  It all starts with the heart, i.e. from the inside.  Once we have been renewed from our hearts, we can make the outward changes.

Commit yourself today to this prayer and let God renew you.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Praying for Missionaries

The other day I received in the mail a copy of the 2013 Missionary Directory of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  I was quite overwhelmed by the number of people who are serving in foreign fields!

As I was thumbing through the pages, I started thinking about the commitment (and possibly sacrifice) these missionaries are making.  They have decided to uproot themselves from our land to go to another place where they have to adjust to the dynamics of another culture, such as with food, language, and social customs. They might not enjoy many of the conveniences we have here in America.

Yet, their work is to bring and show God's love in Christ to others.  This is a tall order.

I would think that these folks of our ELCA serving as missionaries need our prayers.  They might be thousands of miles away. We might not be aware of their stories, yet we know they are serving the Lord and witnessing to Him.

Can you take a moment to remember in prayer those who are serving in the foreign fields?

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

We are now in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity which extends from January 18-25.  Prayer is needed.since often times there is competition among congregations, or congregations do not agree on certain points of doctrine and become isolated and are not able to worship jointly or participate in cooperative ministry.

The theme for this year's week of prayer is "What does God require of us?"   The words are taken from the prophet Micah, who in response to this question wrote: "to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God."
 
I personally believe that we will find unity in recognizing our common hope in our Savior Jesus Christ.  With him, we can see where we can help others in their brokenness, especially where there is injustice.  Can we work together as churches for doing some positive work here?  Maybe there is some wrong that has been committed or a group of people in need are being ignored.  Can churches working together address these problems?

What about loving kindness?  How we treat one another in the body of Christ is significant in our witness to outsiders.  Can we show kindness to one another and also to those outside the church?

Then, we are to walk humbly with God.  Humility is that disposition that frees us from acting in an elitist or egotistical way.  We can acknowledge our wrongs to one another and move forward together in miission.

These goals are not easy, which is why prayer might be in order.  Will you take the time to pray for Christian unity?