Praying for Peace

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"   Luke 2:14

An angel of the Lord came to the shepherds who were tending their sheep at night and announced the birth of the Savior.  What great news to convey!  Immediately, there were a host of angels praising God and making a declaration of peace.

Yes, at this time of the year our minds certainly turn to peace.  We see the unrelenting conflict in the Middle East and the rise of terrorism.  We have tried through military efforts and through diplomacy to achieve an end to war and terrorist groups.  However, there is one more weapon in our arsenal - and that is prayer.  The people of God through the years have prayed for peace (e.g. Psalm 122:6) believing in God's power.

I would hope that this Christmas you would also continue to pray for peace in our world.  We have a God who can do more than what we ask or imagine.

Pastor Marty

To pray and be prayed for...

I had read through Ephesians Chapter 6 recently for my devotions and felt the strong plea that the apostle Paul placed on prayer as he winds up this letter.  He had written about putting on the whole armor of God and then writes:

"Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication.  To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.  Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel...."  Eph. 6:18 - 19.

I like how prayer is not just one-sided, but as God's servant Paul would pray for others and he would also request prays for himself from others.  It reminds me of how Pope Francis in his recent visit to the United States had requested that people pray for him.

Yes, we are all in this together - this mission of the church.  We do need to be praying for one another and those in leadership positions do need prayers for themselves.  So, I would ask that you would pray for me and my ministry at Savior Divine.  I would hope to lead with boldness in the proclaiming the mystery of the gospel.

Pastor Marty

Prayer for Migrants

"Eternal God,  today more and more people are fleeing to another country in order to find a safe place to live.  There are those fleeing from violence, persecution, and war.   Many people are putting their lives at risk by their mode of travel.  May you help them to have a safe passage as they attempt to move to another country.

We would remember that Jesus himself as an infant became a refugee.  He knew early on of the hardship of travel as he was led by his parents to a safe place.  There were those who had to welcome the holy family.

May you help today the receiving governments and agencies in those countries in dealing with the influx of such individuals.  May people open their hearts to respond in a loving way to help provide resources for them. Amen."

Note:  The world is beholding a huge humanitarian crisis.  If we value the dignity of each person as God values each person, we will do what we can to help and support them.  Above all, we can also pray for them.

Pastor Marty

How Often Do You Pray?

Have you ever stop to reflect on how often you pray?  Do you think you do enough praying or too little?  Does it become just a habit or do situations prompt you to pray?

I believe most of us probably have a fairly common routine in praying.  I know I do, which is usually first thing after getting up in the morning and also after breakfast right before I begin work.  Okay that is twice, and it helps me to start the day in a proper manner.

However, I often am moved to pray when something good and unexpected comes along or when I hear about someone who is hurting and needs prayer.  It's these other moments that become engaging and stimulating for me.

I hope that for you, prayer can go beyond a fixed routine and you can feel the spontaneity of praying at special times.  After all, prayer is about our relationship with God.  Just think of your friendships and how stimulating that unexpected phone call can be.  Our prayers are just as welcoming to God.

Therefore, I encourage you as the apostle Paul wrote:  "pray without ceasing."     1 Thessalonians 5:17

A Prayer for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is the occasion for us to express our appreciation to mothers and for all that they have given. Their dedication and loving sacrifice mirrors Jesus' love for us.  I came across this prayer by Claire Schoepp, the youth and family ministry director at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Chicago and administrative assistant at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Logan Square, which I believe you will find meaningful for celebrating this day.

Blessings to all mothers!

For Those Suffering from the Earthquake in Nepal

The death toll keeps climbing in regards to the earthquake that occurred in Nepal.  Buildings have collapsed and many people are in need of medical help and other resources for survival.  I prayed for those suffering in church this past Sunday.  Those in Nepal need all our prayers.

Eternal God, we would bring before you the needs of those who have been affected by the earthquake in Nepal.  May you help the necessary resources to arrive to assist those who are suffering.  May other countries seek to help in providing people who can assist with their labor and also with the medical supplies and other necessary items for survival.  May you bring comfort to the those who have lost loved ones and who have seen their country torn by this natural disaster.  May you open the hearts of others to give aid - financial and otherwise - in order to show their love for these victims.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

An Airplane Tragedy in the Alps

I feel the sadness for the families of the passengers on board the Germanwings plane that crashed in the French Alps.  It's almost impossible to begin to understand the measure of grief that has come to the them.   I invite you to offer prayer for them.

"Eternal God, may you bring comfort to the families who lost a loved one on the plane which crashed in the French Alps. While we may not understand the motive behind the crash, we ask for your loving hand to rest upon these families.  May the families be able to experience your presence in grieving with them.  May you help them in dealing with all the facets of this tragedy.   Thank you for the work of the first responders and may your blessings be upon all others who give assistance at this time.  In Jesus' name. Amen."