Post-Election Praying

Following the presidential election we face uncertainty on many issues.  While we might have thought that all of our angst was gone after the election, it seems that each day something new pops up and brings fear to us.

I bring to you the words of Paul to his co-worker Timothy:  "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity."  1 Timothy 2:1-2.

Yes, after this presidential election we do need to pray for President-elect Donald Trump.  In our worship here at Savior Divine I do pray for our current president every Sunday.  I know that he needs our prayers as well as other leaders, such as those in Congress.  So I would invite you that whether you voted for the president-elect or not, that you would pray for him.  God can work in the hearts of our leaders.  Our prayers can be powerful!

The Earthquake in Italy

An earthquake has hit a portion of Italy on August 23 that has claimed the lives of 260 individuals. We think of the grieving families and also those who survived but lost their homes  These families need our prayers.  While we engage in prayer for such situations, it is also good to know that help comes from the church in another way - a financial way.  The ELCA has committed to send $10,000 to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Italy.    You can read more here.

Presiding Bishop Addresses Recent Shootings

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America addresses the recent shootings that have come from Baton Rouge, Louisiana  and St. Paul, Minnesota.  We need to keep praying as our nation experiences these difficult times.  Here is the video.

Peace,

Pastor Marty

Praying for Peace

Chicago recently experienced six deaths over the Memorial Day weekend.  Many more individuals were shot, but survived.  This year so far Chicago has had a high number of homicides.  I mention this because I live in a suburb of Chicago and realize the tensions that exist.

I realize that many churches do pray for peace not only for one's city, but also for peace across the nation and throughout the world.  We have these words from the psalmist:  "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.'  Psalm 122:6

Praying for peace ought to be not only for time of war or gang related violence.  Peace can also be lacking when there is political tension in one's local government or where people might be food insecure, or where there might be an outbreak of a virus.   Praying for peace is asking God to bring the conditions where people can prosper and live together well in community.

Yes, I believe amid all the praying it seems takes place for peace, we ought not slack off in bringing this request to God.  As part of my Pastoral Prayer in worship, I pray for peace very Sunday.  May peace be part of your praying as well!

Terrorism Strikes in Belgium

Another act of terrorism has been committed in our world - this time in Belgium.  We would want to offer pray for the families of those who lost loved ones as well as those who were injured.  We also need to continue praying for an end to this kind of violence.

"Lord God, we have seen the presence of evil once again with the acts of terrorism in Belgium.  May you bring comfort to the families who lost loved ones.  For those injured, may you enable them to have a good recovery.  May you help to bring an end to the evil within the hearts of those seeking to commit acts of terror.  We pray for the Holy Spirit to work within their hearts to have respect and love for all humanity.  In the name of Jesus, who came to bring peace to our world.  Amen."

Praying for Freedom from Trials

In this season of Lent, I have been going through St. Luke's Passion narrative.  As Jesus leaves the Passover meal he goes out with his disciples in order for him to pray on the Mt. of Olives.  He knew the tension was rising within him and he needed the time to pray.  We have these words of our Lord to his disciples:  "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial."  Luke 22:40.

It is interesting here that Jesus himself is facing a time of trial as he knew what lay ahead; yet, he was willing to offer prayer on behalf of those closest to him!  This same thought of Jesus' direction in prayer for us comes as we pray what we call the Lord's Prayer.  In one version of that prayer we have the words: "Save us from the time of trial."  

Yes, we are asking God that we would not even encounter a trial of any kind. Trials can come that would cause us much tribulation, stress, and grief.  We are praying to God that we would be spared such times.  Certainly, God knows what we can handle.

I would encourage you to reflect on this petition more deeply as you pray the Lord's Prayer in this season of Lent.

Pastor Marty

Budget Cuts Result in Layoffs - Please Pray

Due to budget cuts, some 750 employees at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois are losing their jobs. The state of Illinois has failed to pay some $6 million that it would contribute to Lutheran Social Services.  You can read more in this news release.

I would ask you to pray for the staff members who have lost their jobs as well as praying for an end to the stalemate that exists for adopting a budget in the General Assembly in Illinois. 

I believe our prayers can help!

Pastor Marty

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

We are now in the midst of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  The theme for this year is "Called to Proclaim the Mighty Acts of the Lord."

Although the Christian Church has had its divisions over doctrine as well as practice, we still need to pray for us to be able work together in order to fulfill Christ's mission.   Jesus did pray that we might be one.  Our witness will be stronger as we exhibit a sense of oneness that we all have in Christ.

Yes, we in the church are called to proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord.  Churches and individual Christians need to be telling not only the greatness of God but also our own stories of God active in our lives.  This is not always easy in our culture.  We in America have become more diverse and wonder how we will be received.  May we have the courage to speak out on God at work.

Therefore, I would encourage you to pray for your church as well as for your own individual life that you might give testimony to the "mighty acts" of the Lord!

Pastor Marty

The Answer Is on Its Way

For my devotions this morning I read an interesting piece in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  I like how she has written from the perspective of Jesus talking directly to you.  For January 11, the topic was about bringing our prayer requests before Jesus.  We read here:  "Then thank Me for the answers that I have set into motion long before you can discern results."

I am sure that the natural tendency is to focus on the time of actually saying the prayer and then the time when the answer is visible.  Have we ever thought that the prayer has been "set in motion" and that God's work is going on behind the scenes.  I believe it is good to be reminded of this and to give thanks to God that we believe that the divine power is at work in what we perceive as the in-between time.

The next time you pray for something, in the days thereafter you can give thanks that your request has been set in motion.  It will remind you that the answer is on its way.