Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, December 10, 2016
Hopes and Prayers at a Baptism
Tomorrow, my church is hosting a baptism. It is always so wonderful to celebrate a baptism! Seeing the new life, the hopeful, eager attitude of the family, the godparents, the others who have joined to celebrate with the family. An exciting time, to be sure. It is a time of expectation and hope, too.
Since I am a pastor at a Congregational church, I do have several personal, theological views on baptism. I am glad my viewpoints rub along well with the baptismal views of the official group with whom we are recognized.
Pastor Gordon is bringing this couple and their child to St. Luke’s Church to be baptized, and I am so pleased to be able to host the family of the child, as well.
I wonder—how often should I encourage others to celebrate the sacraments? As often as I get the opportunity, that’s what I think. Such a chance to welcome these new people, these new members in God’s forever family.
Gracious God, thank You for the gift of baptism. Thank You for the mark we impress upon the forehead of those who are baptized in love and obedience to You. We pray that this family will raise their child in the knowledge and understanding of You, Your will and Your ways. We ask Your blessing to rest on not only this child and the family, but also on all those who will celebrate with Pastor Gordon and me, tomorrow. Dear God, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.
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