Thankful Prayers, Earnest Petitions

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, July 23, 2016

 

Thankful Prayers, Earnest Petitions

My daughter and I safely arrived at the New Wilmington Mission Conference in Pennsylvania this afternoon. We are thankful! And, I have already received several great spiritual boosts from the several sessions I attended.

Thank You for this conference, God. It is truly a marvelous place.

I saw a request from my friend Vicar Josh (online vicar of the Episcopal www.dailyoffice.org website). He earnestly requested prayer for our mutual friend, honorary deacon and soul-medic, Clint.

Here is the prayer I offered. Hear all of our prayers, please!

Gracious God, You hear all of our prayers ascending to You for our dear brother Clint. You know his heart, his love for You, and his love for all of the brothers and sisters. Please, Lord, hear our prayers. Please, Lord. It’s in Jesus’s powerful, healing name we pray, amen.

@chaplaineliza

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

As God Is My Witness

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, July 29, 2015

As God Is My Witness

For those who are following along at home, I just went to the New Wilmington Mission Conference last week. I had a marvelous time! I had been waiting to see what speakers would be there, but I think—on the whole—that another round of  belief in Jesus, too, can prove to be life-changing. Sending each other out, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the book Praying the New Testament as Psalms, I noticed several excellent verses in the modern psalm. My current favorite comes from John 5: “Thank You, God, for the gift of the Scriptures,/testifying to Jesus and giving me life.” [1] Wow. Powerful!

I not only testify about my Lord Jesus, but I also have the gift of the Scriptures! Not to mention the ability to read the Scriptures, which many women today do not have. Many women—many people in general today—are either functionally illiterate, or totally illiterate. God, thank You so much for the gift of being able to read! Thank You so much about the blessing of being able to read Your word.

Dear Lord, I praise Your name. Dear 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 .

(also published at www.matterofprayer.net

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 203.

Suffering? Growthful, Forming and Transforming.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, July 25, 2015

Suffering? Growthful, Forming and Transforming.

Long day on the road, coming back from the New Wilmington Mission Conference. As I turned to the chapter for the day today, I reflected on the past week. The topic for today is Suffering. Suffering for the sake of Christ, as well as the mystery of suffering.

At the mission conference, we prayed for the persecuted church. We prayed for different areas on different days. My thoughts went to them, as well as my heart, no matter where. Nigeria, Egypt, Central Asia, Vietnam. These were just a few of the places we prayed for. We prayed for the churches, the individual believers, the governments ruling over the countries, and so much more. God, please be with them all.

This modern psalm moved me so profoundly. However, I was struck by one verse in particular. The verse is taken from John 9 and 1 Peter 3. “Let me never believe that my suffering is Your punishment for sin,/since doing what is right can lead to suffering too.” [1]

Doing what is right? Yes, that can lead to pain and suffering. What about Romans 5:3b-4? Paul says, as plain as day, “we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

It breaks my heart—again—to hear people saying, straight out, “God is punishing me for my sins.” Sure, if someone breaks the law, they deserve the punishment meted out by the law. But there is grace. Mercy. Abundant love. Whatever is going on in people’s lives, whether it’s on the inside or the outside, whether it’s pain-filled death or painful health situation; even when pain comes about through machinations and manipulations. God loves me. God loves you.

God loves the whole world. What part of “whole world” do you not understand? God, help me to come alongside of persons who are suffering. Dear God, help me to listen. Thank You, Amen.

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 185.

@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 .

Do Justice? Help Me Raise Up the Lowly!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, July 24, 2015

Do Justice? Help Me Raise Up the Lowly!

Last day at the New Wilmington Mission Conference—such an amazing, energizing experience! God was in so many aspects of this conference. So, so many. I saw the Lord show up in such unexpected ways, too.

As I turned to the modern psalm today, I was touched. It moved me. I wanted to highlight so many parts of this chapter from Praying the New Testament as Psalms.

I finally settled on two: psalm verses adapted from James 2 and Luke 1. First, “Deepen in me my love for my neighbor/as I carry out the works that accompany faith.” [1] This verse is so much in keeping with one of the major themes of the letter of James. Just as I love and have faith in God, my service is an expression of that deep love and gratitude for my salvation. My good works come out of my faith—are a natural expression of my love for God and neighbor.

Second, “Let me see the injustice of our world and join You in raising up the lowly.” [2] This verse adapted from the Magnificat of Luke 1 hits me right in the gut. My family knows that I can strike up a conversation with most anyone, at a moment’s notice. And, often, people start right in telling me their problems. I am a chaplain and pastoral care person, at heart. I can come alongside of people and walk with them through their difficulties.

Another side of this natural openness that is part and parcel of _me_ is that social justice component. God, give me such an openness to You. Please, God, help me raise Your name as I raise up the lowly. 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 .

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 182.

[2] Ibid, 183.

Resurrection Power!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Resurrection Power!

Here I am at New Wilmington Mission Conference. Such a dynamic gathering of people! So much excitement, vitality, nurture, prayer support, and love. And—the best part is that I can now consider myself a part of the Conference family.

Again and again, this week, I have heard about Resurrection power. We are to proclaim Jesus and His resurrection. That’s also the topic of the chapter for tonight from Praying the New Testament as Psalms. Our authors chose some excellent verses that highlight resurrection, true. However, I was the most moved by one adapted from Philippians 3:10-11.

“All I want is to know Christ and the power of His rising,/to share His sufferings,/to become like Him in His death,/that somehow I may attain resurrection.” [1]

Again and again this week, I have heard about the persecuted church. And, about the increase in how much and how often Christians around the world are suffering. Christians—or, as I have been reminded several times—Jesus-followers—are greatly in need. Not only in terms of physical needs and finances, but also in terms of prayer. Several times I have heard about small groups of Christians who would just request prayer from Christians in the “West.”

My heart is broken at the suffering. Truly. Yet—the resurrection power of the Cross overcomes. The resurrection power of the Cross is more powerful than anything else. We can become like Christ in His death “that somehow” that resurrection power can become active in our lives.

Dear Lord, gracious God. Bless this conference. Bless all the speakers here, and give them aid and assistance in both preparation and also I praise You for making such an awesome place to come. I would like for You to remind me of Your resurrection power. Please, God. Thanks for being there.

@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

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 169.

Reconciled—Enemies Become Friends

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, July 20, 2015

Reconciled—Enemies Become Friends

Today at the New Wilmington Mission Conference was awesome. Or, should I say, tonight. I had the privilege to hear not only Dr. Ken Bailey teach on the Good Shepherd this morning in bible study hour, but then our older speaker gave the message in evening meeting tonight.

A Palestinian Christian, he gave a vivid, first-hand account of his experiences in 1948. He told how he went from being a happy boy in his home town to becoming a refugee with his large family—all in a few hours. To hear this man relate what had happened to him and his family, as well as hundreds of other Palestinian families in 1948, broke my heart.

My topic for the night and for this post is reconciliation. The evening meeting highlighted the Sabeel Center (for faith, justice and reconciliation). Just think—the loving, spacious concept of reconciliation between Jews and Palestinians was lifted up. What is more, the Sabeel movement has worked tirelessly for years in this effort. Amazing.

How much more does Jesus reconcile me to Himself? As I read through these modern verses from this modern psalm, I was especially struck by a particular verse from Colossians 1: “You have rescued me from the power of darkness/and transferred me into the kingdom of Your Son.” [1]

This book, Praying the New Testament as Psalms, humbles me. Ordinarily, I am floored when I heard about reconciliation work between various groups in South Africa. Or the Hutu and Tutsi tribes in Rwanda. However, this precious word stands for so much more, when it comes to God. Such amazing grace Boundless, given freely.

Dear God, thank You for your gift of salvation. Thank You for the awesome power of Your reconciling love. Amen and 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 .

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 162.

Looking Forward to Mission (Conference)

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, July 17, 2015

New Wilmington Mission Conference theme verse for 2015

Looking Forward to Mission (Conference)

I appreciate the book I am praying through this month. I turned to a meaningful chapter tonight, in light of what I’m going to do tomorrow. I’m going to the New Wilmington Mission Conference in Pennsylvania, with my daughter. A gathering of about 1000 people celebrating the mission and outreach of the wider Church. (It is a conference of the Presbyterian Church/USA.)

Praying the New Testament as Psalms brings me a fresh way of looking at the New Testament. I was interested to see what my book for July had concerning mission.

A personally meaningful verse from this modern psalm comes from Mark 16: “Call me each moment to be Your disciple,/sending me out to proclaim the message.” [1] God, You have called me to be Your disciple. Wow. I didn’t beg. I haven’t come to You, pleading to become Your disciple. Instead, You chose me. You called to me, and it is Your wish that I am Your disciple. I haven’t figured out how that all works, but I know it is true.

“Call me each moment.” Yes, it is a sort of a one-time calling. At least, that’s all that is necessary. But You, God, keep on calling. Continuing to call me, urging me to proclaim Your message. You encourage, instruct, serve as mentor and guide. All for me and all for serving You.

I am going to be in the midst of an amazing gathering for the next week. The New Wilmington Mission Conference is a group of people engaged in outreach of all different kinds, to all different communities throughout the world. Yes, the majority of the people who attend the conference very much feel called, in some way. What a wonderful opportunity to receive instruction and nurture to get refilled. How beneficial! I need refilling to continue to proclaim God’s message. This is one sure way for me to get it.

God, bless the people who attend NWMC. Bless the staff, and especially be with all of the speakers and facilitators this week. Give everyone who attends an instructive time, as well as a time to have fun! I know You are planning marvelous things for this week. Amen and 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 .

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 140.