In Which We Have an Election (Prayer)

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, November 8, 2016

In Which We Have an Election (Prayer)

It is seldom I have difficulty formulating a thought. This evening, however, I am having that kind of difficulty.

The last few months have been challenging, divisive, and…difficult. To say the least.

I am so grateful to my good friend Episcopal Vicar Josh Thomas, and the website he maintains, www.dailyoffice.org. I humbly offer this Election Day prayer which he wrote, in hopes that it will begin to patch up the icy rifts and hurtful holes and jagged gashes in our American society, and between individuals, friends (sometimes former-friends), and even within families.

This has been quite an election season. Please God, may we roll up our sleeves and get to the business of forgiving, healing, working, and loving.

Here is Josh’s prayer:

For U.S. Election Day 2016
By Josh Thomas

Holy God, we ask your blessing on the election of a new President and Congress of the United States. This is such a divisive year, with very different visions offered by the candidates, with a background of war in many nations and the reality of violence at home. The results of our choices will resound throughout the world. Bless the candidates and voters; make all of us responsible for our actions; give us a clear result and a humble acceptance of the outcome, that peace and justice may prevail in this and every nation; through Jesus Christ, who came to save us from discord and violence and lead us to your heavenly home. Amen.

(Dear God, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.)

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my companion blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.  #PursuePEACE. My Facebook page, Pursuing Peace – Thanks! And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

Interfaith Banquet for Peace

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Interfaith Banquet for Peace

I gathered together with a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, interfaith group of people for a banquet on Sunday evening. The banquet was co-hosted by the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago and the Islamic Society of North America at a Chicago-area convention center. Such a fascinating group of people. The booths at the 53^rd annual ISNA conference I was invited to seemed a beehive of activity, too.

One meaningful highlight of the banquet was the opportunity to hear Khizr and Gazala Khan, the parents of United States Army Captain Humayun Khan. (Capt. Khan was killed in 2004 during the Iraq War, a Purple Heart recipient buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.) After being catapulted to international fame from speaking at the Democratic National Convention some weeks ago, the Khans continue to be the measured, sincere representatives of their faith in God. They both brought that same message of faith, honor and love for their adopted country to those who attended the ISNA banquet on Sunday.

However, not all the speakers at the banquet had positive messages. A strong concern came from Dr. Christopher Bain, professor of social sciences at Duke University. He spoke on the motion of the widespread demonization of Islam (and of individual Muslims, in general) throughout the United States since 9/11, fifteen years ago. This negative message of “radical Muslims” has moved from the fringes of national discourse rapidly into mainstream thought and media perception, in less than fifteen years. This concerns me—and many people—very much.

Yes, there was a great gathering of a diverse group of people on Sunday night. Perhaps—together—we helped to build bridges. Even though there is growing division and animosity against “difference,” perhaps some friendly conversation and sharing a meal helped to build friendships. Perhaps.

God willing. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.  #PursuePEACE. My Facebook page, Pursuing Peace – Thanks! And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE is NO Fighting, NO Hatred

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, March 16, 2016

PEACE is NO Fighting, NO Hatred

Today, both personal definitions of PEACE involve fighting. Or rather, NOT fighting.

Another day to present two young people from St. Viator’s High School in Arlington Heights. Another day to see what kinds of amazing thoughts these high schoolers have.

Julia’s definition: “PEACE is no fighting/no hatred.” When I saw that, I thought it was pretty self-explanatory. However, just in case, I decided to ask for a further explanation. Julia said, “It’s unnecessary to fight to solve problems. I personally don’t like war and fighting.”

Grace’s definition: “PEACE is communicating calmly.” When asked for further information, Grace’s response was, “I think people ought to solve things reasonably. Try communicating!”

Both definitions lift up something important. Vital. Even, fundamental. I have seen so much fighting, violence, division, even scathing hatred. Isn’t this simple and straight-forward?

Dear Lord, how much more fundamental can a person get? No fighting. No hatred. Communicate calmly! Amen.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE is Knowing God

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, March 11, 2016

PEACE is Knowing God

Another definition from the North Shore Assembly of God in Skokie. (While there, I discussed the division and animosity becoming so widespread in the public discourse.) I had the joy of hearing from a dear woman. She glowed with a gentle inner peace. I had the opportunity to ask her about her personal definition of PEACE. She gave me that, plus a whole lot more.

Nalini started off telling me that she was not sure what her definition of peace would be. After a little gentle encouragement and a few prompts, she came up with a wonderful definition, followed by an explanation and testimony. Nalini Marati’s personal definition: “PEACE is knowing God. [I can’t explain (in words) the love of God in me.]”

Nalini is a faithful woman of prayer. Deep prayer. Concerted prayer. She was so humble; these things she related to me could come across as boasting or being puffed up. Not Nalini. She told me in her quiet, gentle way, “I have a devotion time every morning. When I pray to God, I have such peace in my heart.”

On top of that, each Friday is a special time of prayer for Nalini. “On Fridays, I set apart time for my Lord, and to meditate on His Word. I talk to Him just like I’m talking to you.” She fasts on Fridays. She drinks only water in the morning and into the afternoon. She gets done with prayer and meditation about mid-afternoon, when she drinks some fruit juice.

Nalini seems to become energized with a quiet, inner energy when she is talking about her prayer time. Her private, personal time with God. The time when she truly feels the peace of God.

I was floored to talk with such a kind, gentle, loving woman of God. Dear Lord, gracious God, thank You for providing Nalini and her example to me. Thank You for giving us the wisdom and understanding to worship You. To love You. To find the peace that passes human understanding. Thank You, God.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE: Quiet Assurance. God IS in Control.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, March 9, 2016

PEACE: Quiet Assurance. God IS in Control.

Several days ago, I had the opportunity to go to a gathering at North Shore Assembly of God in Skokie. I spoke with several people at some length, discussing the division and animosity becoming so prevalent in the public discourse. I told the folks there about my listening tour to hear different people’s points of view on PEACE.

I took the opportunity to ask each one about their personal definition of PEACE. I got more fascinating definitions! Here is one from Shirlene Baker, whose definition is: “PEACE: Quiet assurance. God IS in control.”

When asked for further explanation, Shirlene said, “My definition of peace is that quiet assurance, unexplainable knowing that no matter what is happening in the natural, God is and always will be in control. When everything and everyone around you falls apart, you are standing firm and unmovable. With all of the chaos around us, I believe that if our minds are fixed, focused on God, we can remain steadfast.  He promised it and I believe it!  And I know that it works.  I thank Him for His peace, a peace the world cannot take away!”

Shirlene, thank you so much for such a full explanation! Isn’t it the truth? If we understand that God is in control, no matter how awful the present situation may be, we can remain steadfast! Even though we may be in middle of the darkest night, or the stormiest sea, or the worst nightmare, God is with us. God has promised.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” God is right by my side. And, that is quiet assurance. Thank You, God! Praise Your Name!

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE = Tranquility

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, March 6, 2016

PEACE = Tranquility

Last Tuesday, I attended the senior group at St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Morton Grove to speak to them about PEACE. I started my talk with how divided the country was today. Talking about various kinds of division, I mentioned how much general, free-floating fear and anxiety have also shot way up.

Isn’t the country more and more divided now? I talked about the lack of PEACE and what we can do about it. Several ideas about how to lessen the animosity between people and between groups of people.

I also gave them some background on my Pursuing PEACE Project, and asked if any of the seniors would be willing to give me their personal definition of PEACE. Several of them were eager to give me their points of view.

Today’s definition comes from a quiet woman sitting by herself. After my presentation, I circulated around the room and asked a number of people about PEACE.. I went up to her and asked my question: “What is your personal definition of PEACE?”

Irene Bauer said—in what I assumed was her normal, soft-spoken way of delivery— “My definition of PEACE is tranquility.”

When I asked her a little further understanding of what she wanted of PEACE, she also mentioned that “if everything is tranquil, then you can have peace of mind.”

I thought about that, and tried to echo it back to her. She nodded. (Not saying another word.) I then asked another clarifying question. “So, one good way of you having a peaceful mind is for the outside environment to be quieter and not so full of fighting.” She paused for a moment, considering what I had just said. And, nodded again.

Dear Lord, such a gentle, quiet definition from this quiet lady. I pray for her, and for all people with a similar quiet, tranquil point of view. Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE: Different Peace/Different Situations

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, March 3, 2016

PEACE: Different Peace/Different Situations

Earlier this week, I visited the senior group at St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Morton Grove to speak to them about PEACE. I talked about the growing feeling of division, conflict and animosity in this country, in several significant ways. And, I gave a few ideas on how to lessen that negative feeling. How to express kindness, respect, love, and peace, as much as we can.

I also gave them some background on my Pursuing PEACE Project, and asked if any of the seniors would be willing to give me their personal definition of PEACE. Several of them were more than happy to give me their points of view.

One senior did not waste any time. He came up to me as soon as my talk was over and engaged me in conversation. He had a different kind of definition! Joe Sebastian’s definition of PEACE: different kinds of peace in different situations.

“Peace is like a chameleon. There are different kinds of peace depending on the different types of situations. Peace is a relative term to me. I guess it is to live in harmony and accommodation.”

Joe has a unique point of view, since he was born half a world away. I need to listen especially closely to him. I so value his contribution to this continuing conversation on PEACE!

Just so, Joe uses a fascinating comparison and word picture: “Peace is like a chameleon.” I never would have thought of that, not in a hundred years. Yet, when he said that, followed by saying that different kinds of situations merit different kinds of peace, I understood immediately what he meant. “Chameleon.” Changeable! Adaptable! Matching its skin and appearance to its surroundings. What a superb comparison. Thank you so much, Joe.

Dear Lord, I appreciate Joe’s definition. I appreciate Joe’s point of view. Thank You for bringing Joe to the meeting this week. Dear God, I pray for Joe and the other seniors. I pray for their Lenten journey to the cross. Dear Lord, be with them just as much as You are with me.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er