A Sermon, Meditation, and Psalm 62

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, July 7, 2017

A Sermon, Meditation, and Psalm 62

Have you ever wondered about young pastors—or ministers? Still in training, some pastors need time to practice their craft. In some churches (and seminaries), a pastor-in-training is called an intern, or student pastor. The typical job of a pastor is multi-faceted, and a person sometimes is not fully skilled at every aspect of the pastorate until some years have passed.

Just so with Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer held a position as a pastor-in-training for a number of months. While serving as assistant pastor at a German-speaking church in Barcelona, he preached this particular sermon on Psalm 62. The psalmist in verse 1 calls for a time of silence before prayer and meditation: “For God alone my soul in silence waits; from him comes my salvation.” And Bonhoeffer paraphrases: “Teach us something about the silence of the soul, the soul that waits for God.” [1]

Sure, Bonhoeffer had definite ideas about meditation and how much scripture means to be practicing both prayer and meditation. “Being silent means unable to say anything more; it means that a strange but dear hand has placed itself upon our lips to make us be still; it means giving ourselves totally—capitulating to the overwhelming power of the Other.” [2]

Even at this early date in Bonhoeffer’s ministry, this sermon shows how an assembly of men and women can be ready for in depth learning. “To be silent does not mean to be inactive, rather it means to breathe in the will of God, to listen attentively, and be ready to obey.” [3]

Dear Lord, help me to be attentive to Your voice. We want to go a long way with You today. Help me to sit with You, walk with You, and follow in the way You want me to walk. 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 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

[1] Meditating on the Word, Dietrich Bonhöffer, edited by David McI. Gracie. (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Cowley Publications, 2000), 48.

[2] Ibid, 49.

[3] Ibid.

Pursue PEACE – PEACE = Holiness (Repost)

This repost is especially for the Facebook page Pursuing Peace.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, February 12, 2016

Pursue PEACE – PEACE = Holiness

Intriguing thought! Peace equals holiness. I had to step back and think about this particular definition for a bit. Let it penetrate my mind and heart.

The name of the person I talked to? Chuck. Also known as Dr. Charles L. Reid III, his personal definition of peace: PEACE = Holiness.

Chuck did not waste any time in coming up with his personal definition. He knew. He was sure. He is the pastor of the Bethesda Worship Center in Des Plaines. His definition came straight from the New Testament, from Hebrews 12:14. “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (NIV)

As I mentioned, I was quite intrigued by this definition. I asked Pastor Chuck to explain further. He said, “From what is given in Scripture as a guide for living, holiness should be an objective for our lives.  Therefore, PEACE = Holiness was what came to my mind when asked about peace.  The pursuit of peace and reconciliation reflects Christ’s ministry of bringing peace and reconciliation.  When holiness abides within, PEACE will live also.”

Yes, I do agree. Excellent concept. Truly a worthwhile objective to strive for.

As for a moral compass and guide to living, Scripture is certainly a time-tested compass. Thank you, Pastor Chuck. I appreciate you and your example of pursuing peace and reconciliation, with holiness a big part in your life.

Let’s pray. Dear Lord, gracious God, thank You for this thought-provoking definition of PEACE. Allow it to work into all of our hearts and take root. Thank You for Pastor Chuck, his wife Barbara, and all of the congregation at Bethesda Worship Center. Help each of them to live at peace with their fellows. Dear Lord, striving to be holy is a large part of walking with You. Help Your works and Your words to accomplish Your purposes. Especially Your wish to have all people live in PEACE. 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

Day #14 – Mind the Gap? The Generation Gap—with Prayer!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, March 5, 2015

Day #14 – Mind the Gap? The Generation Gap—with Prayer!

In case you don’t know and have just started reading this blog, I am a friendly person. My natural smile kind-of, sort-of just happens. And, I often strike up conversations with complete strangers. (To the bemusement and occasionally unbelief of my husband and children.)

That being said, when I read today’s suggestion from #40acts, I immediately connected to the call for intergenerational communication. I do this on a regular basis. Perhaps not every single day, but as a regular occurrence at least several times every week. One on one, or in small groups. And, in large groups, on occasion.

But, then, I am a pastor. It is part and parcel of my job, my position. My business, so to speak. I am a communicator. In addition, I have special training in pastoral care, I am a certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and I’ve done several extended internships (one paid) as a hospital chaplain. So, yes, I am familiar with talking to people. And I pray with people. As I sometimes say when asked, in part, I am a professional listener.

An acquaintance of mine is in the hospital right now. So, I have visited regularly, talked with the patient and loved ones, prayed, and sent cards. This person is in a different generation. I also call several people from the church on a regular basis. I try to keep tabs on them, pray, and give encouragement and support as I can, over the phone. And in person, when I am able.

Finally, and quite meaningful to me as well, I read each Tuesday morning. I read to two classrooms of preschoolers at my church. I love reading to these little ones. I try to choose books that have interesting stories, lovely illustrations, and not too many words on each page. Most weeks, I have the opportunity to interact with the children, ask questions, and sometimes talk about the illustrations or about the points in the story. Since my youngest child is now a senior in high school, I so much appreciate this precious time with young children.

I try to be friendly to people when I talk with them, too. (Since I am an encouraging person, that’s kind-of natural, too!) It is as easy as smiling at people waiting for the elevator, or standing in line at the grocery store or post office. And if the person is in a different generation from yours? So much the better!

So many people are isolated and separated today. I think a bit more togetherness is a wonderful thing. And—that is exactly what this post from #40acts called for today. Friendliness. Openness. Kindness. Togetherness. In an intergenerational way. Why don’t you try it, too?

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

(Check out #40acts; doing Lent generously at www.40acts.org.uk )

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And read #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

Day #2 – In Conversation? In Retrospect—In Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, February 19, 2015

Day #2 – In Conversation? In Retrospect—In Prayer

The second day of doing Lent generously! Today, the generous suggestion was to get involved in conversation with someone. A neighbor, or even a stranger.

I know I am often preoccupied, so much so that I keep my head down and just plow through life, unseeing and uncaring. At least, it must seem that way to others. So many people are almost wearing blinders! It seems that way, anyhow. Actually, I am interested in other people! Really and truly.

I decided to take my recently-bought used car in to the repair shop today. I felt my steering pulling, so I thought the car needed a wheel alignment. It was a frigid day, with the temperature hovering around zero degrees Fahrenheit. (Wind chill fifteen to twenty-five below zero . . . )

After dropping my car off, I went down the block to the Asian restaurant next to the post office. Excellent food, and not expensive, either! So, I had a delicious lunch. The server in the restaurant was a pleasant young Asian woman. As I finished my lunch—after the lunch rush had cleared out—she and I exchanged a few words.

I am a friendly person. I’ve talked here before about my propensity to engage in conversation with most anyone. At the drop of a hat. My family rolls their eyes about it. Well, it happened again, today. Naturally, almost like we were friends already, the conversation blossomed. She seemed to really enjoy it.

After we had talked for some five minutes, she finally asked me what I did for a living. “I’m a pastor.” Because she seemed to have difficulty processing that word, I helpfully supplied another. “A minister, at a church.” Her face brightened with recognition. She nodded. “Ah, yes. My husband and I, we go to a church near our home sometimes.” I told her that was wonderful! I tried to encourage her in attending church on a regular basis. She nodded again and was going to respond—when the telephone rang. Alas, she needed to take care of business, a take-out order.

I left the restaurant not long after that. (Oh, my car? Sadly, it needed tires. Plus the alignment. But I digress from the topic of this post.)

As I look over the generosity assignment for today, it says to engage in conversation, and to try to remember details about the other person. I had the bonus of the person actually asking me about my work. So, I told her! I hope and pray that this lovely young lady has the opportunity to attend that church with her husband, soon. God, grant that they may be welcomed and made to feel the friendly attitude of the people who attend there.

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

Why not visit my sister blog, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.

Prayers for My (Growing and Grown) Children

matterofprayer blog post for Monday, November 17, 2014

Prayers for My (Growing and Grown) Children

“Hap-py birth-day, dear Ra-chel . . . “ Yes, my youngest daughter celebrates her birthday today. Now, there is only one teenaged person left in my house.

How did that happen?

I am not getting older, am I?

Alas, time flies. Not only my personal time, but time at my work, as well. I serve as a pastor of a local church. St. Luke’s Church in Morton Grove. As I reflect on the end of the liturgical calendar, the calendar year is also drawing to a close. Winding down. Autumn of the year. With harvest time and thanksgiving, the growing season coming to an end, this can also be a time for quiet, introspection, and contemplation.

It is more than appropriate for me to consider these past years as a mom, even as I consider these past months as a Christian leader. A pastor. Sometimes, I wear one hat. Sometimes, another. I am earnestly lifting up my children in prayer, each day in November. At the same time, I am praying for my friend’s children. God has put this prayer need on my heart each day in November, too.

I know this is important work.

My children are a little older than my dear friend’s family. Different places in life, different needs. But each is loved individually by God. My friend and I are each loved by God, too.

I am called—today—to be faithful. In prayer, in work, in serving as pastor, in being a mom. I truly enjoy each of these, almost all of the time. (Except when I don’t.) However, I know God is with me, even though I sometimes slog through my life as a mom. Even though I go through challenges with members of my congregation. It’s a good place to be. Contemplating God. Contemplating my church. Praying for my friends as well as for my family.

Let’s pray. Dear gracious God, thank You for Your presence at my side. Even through the waning of the year, and the passing of the days. Help us to remember that You are always at our side. Help us to contemplate You, Your will and Your ways. Prepare our hearts and our lives to become more faithful and more like You, day by day. With each passing moment. Thank You for families and friends. In Your blessed name we lift all these people to you, amen.

@chaplaineliza

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