To Pray, To Give Support

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, December 4, 2016

To Pray, To Give Support

I have been following certain unwelcoming activities during the past number of weeks. I am sad to report that I’ve been equipping people to meet mean, nasty or angry comments. How, you might ask? Great question!

As reported before, I tried to find what our scriptures had to say about mean, angry and hateful activities. Accordingly, I turned to Matthew 5 and found where Jesus said “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” 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.

I wish to open St. Luke’s Church for prayer. I wish to join together in spirit and in truth, using the words of Jesus. Those difficult and challenging questions—what would Jesus do, when faced with these kinds of words, actions and attitudes? I think Jesus would pray for those who disagree with Him, certainly. That is one part of what we will be doing as we gather in prayer, as well as praying for our communities, our local governments, and our diverse friends.

Please God, I hope many will seek after peace, understanding, and questioning issues that trouble them. Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of 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

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