Active, Gathering in Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Active, Gathering in Prayer

Lots of things going on.

I spoke at a panel discussion at the mosque in on Sunday, November 20, called “Empowering Diverse Voices.” This was to encourage groups who are feeling marginalized. I was asked to bring two action steps to the audience that evening.

In preparation for that evening, I turned to Matthew 5 and found where Jesus said “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Accordingly, at the panel discussion, I called for people to come together for a Gathering for Prayer and Mutual Support (Build Bridges, Not Walls). It will be on Monday, Dec. 12 from 7 to 8 pm at St. Luke’s Church in Morton Grove.

The second action step, as I promised at the panel on Nov. 20, is a draft of an open letter from leaders of houses of worship to our local civic leaders. Many wish to show friendship and commitment to all people in these communities in the Chicago suburbs. Our neighborhoods and communities are diverse and multi-cultural. This letter contains a declaration that we—leaders of houses of worship—stand together against fear, animosity and hatred to promote harmony, peace and love for all in our local neighborhoods.

Please, if you feel nudged by God, pray for many from this diverse community to attend, and for many to be encouraged by us joining together in prayer.

And, consider joining with me in prayer on the second Monday of December. Pray for our leaders—local, regional and national. Pray for our neighborhoods and communities. And—keeping the words of Jesus from Matthew 5 in our minds—pray with love for those who are angry with us, who are mean to us, and who disagree with us.

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 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

Response from Scattered Sheep.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, April 30, 2015

Response from Scattered Sheep.

Another passage about sheep. And a shepherd. You’d think there was something going on, what with this continuing sheep/shepherd motif. (Kidding! Actually, it’s a marvelous image.)

As I read this passage from Ezekiel 34:11-16 from the daily lectionary reading, I was touched so much by the description of God as our Shepherd. Rounding up the sheep who are far away. Rescuing those who are in trouble. Gathering them together, and caring for the many, many sheep from all over the pasture.

How am I to respond to this loving, caring, rescuing Shepherd?

As I read the accompanying reading for reflection for today, I was struck by what a perfect response it would be. It comes from a Vocation Prayer, from the Beech Grove Benedictine Community. As I read through it, this prayer went straight to my heart. My insides. My gut. Here it is. What a response to God.

“O Lord, You know me. You know when I sit and when I stand. You have me always present in Your mind. For this, Lord, I thank You.

“You know the path for my life and what is best for me. Lord, reveal to me the path that I am to walk.

“Bless me and guide me and be Lord to me so that whichever road I take I may do all for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

What else is there to say? Such a marvelous response. Such an earnest, heartfelt prayer. Dear Lord, as I echo the words of this prayer, hear me. Guide me. Reveal the path I am to walk. In Jesus’ risen and rescuing name I pray, Lord.

@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 #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .