Prayers of Preparation for Peace

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, October 23, 2016

Prayers of Preparation for Peace

Pursuing Peace just doesn’t stop. Peace: that elusive article, that hopeful state of being. No, pursuing Peace can be an elusive quest, indeed.

Instead of me searching for personal, private ways of pursuing Peace, I am going to look for ways of arriving at Peace in a group fashion. Corporately. In the neighborhood. In the community.

Correction: WE are going to pursue Peace.

I have no idea where this is going. Yes, some could scoff that we are not exactly going after Peace. Strictly speaking, this could be true. In a broader sense, we will combat fear and anxiety, facilitate ease in communication, work together to reach people in trouble, all in the individual neighborhoods.

Yes, WE are going to pursue Peace.

I feel like I am going to step off into the Wild Blue Yonder, or something. Yes, a bit of trepidation. Yes, some butterflies in the stomach. This will be a community partnership, and I have only a vague idea of what it’s going to look like. And, it may change. (But, that’s okay.)

Pursuing Peace is a great possibility. Just around the corner. To be continued.

Dear God, give us good ideas. Help us to come up with a strategic plan. Bring together dreamers of dreams, and give us concrete ways to bring those hopes and dreams to fruition. Help us #PursuePEACE. Please, 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

Prayers of Thanksgiving? Wonderful Peace Breakfast!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, October 21, 2016

 

(Photo Credit: Eric Ponders, The North Shore Voice) (www.FaceBook.com/MGVoice)

Prayers of Thanksgiving? Wonderful Peace Breakfast!

 

Ever have one of those days? Or, weeks? Maybe even, one of those months? Yeah—me, too. When I invited many of the same village and religious leaders to a second Peace Breakfast, some of them told me that they unfortunately could not attend. The past few weeks have been extremely busy—for everyone!

We met again, this morning. We met, again, to talk about next steps towards peace, friendship, and cooperation, in this wonderful and diverse suburb of Chicago. And, we came up with some great ideas!

Some backstory: several people around the table pointed out that there was a good deal of fear, anxiety, and general uncertainty in portions of the population in our area. How can we reach out to them, in a proactive, useful and needed way?

As one local media member (Eric Ponders) reported, “Proactive initiatives for community outreach were discussed, including strategic plans, combining resources, more encompassing events with multiple communities, pooling our resources – potentially programming as well as funding, creating a grass roots initiative, communication strategies for outreach and facilitation & more!”

Yes, looking at what we discussed, we could say that we discussed public health. Alternatively, we could say we discussed funding and community strategy. I prefer to look at it another way. The village and religious leaders gathered there discussed ways to lower fear, anxiety, and uncertainty; we discussed ways to promote family- and community-building, finding ways to work together across neighborhoods, villages, and townships.

Did we find ways to pursue peace? Promote friendship and harmony in the midst of a very diverse population in our area? I think we did. So, YES. This morning’s Peace Breakfast was a wonderful next step, indeed.

Thanks, God! A great, big praise to You for Your assistance.

(Thanks as well to Eric Ponders, who is also known as North Shore Voice.)
@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

Peace Festival, Prayer, and More

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Peace Festival, Prayer, and More

Sunday was the day I spoke at the Evanston Peace Festival. Actually, the Festival was Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but I spoke on the final day. Later in the afternoon. I was honored to be included, especially among such wonderful company.

Of course, in the week before, we had the International Day of Peace on Wednesday, and the Interfaith Gathering for Meditation and Prayer. An interview on WCGO-AM on Thursday concerning the many peace observances during the week. The Interfaith Walk for Peace on Saturday. And then, speaking on the Pursuing Peace Project on Sunday afternoon.

The end of a full week of peaceful, peace-bridging, peace-making activities.

I felt dog-tired at the end of all of these activities. It was more than just tired, I felt like just a bit of butter scraped over a large slice of bread. Too much. Too much of a worthwhile thing.

At least I tried to keep some schedule of prayer last week. Praying with my online prayer group, www.dailyoffice.org . And, Benedictine prayer on my own, three times last week. I felt a little like Martin Luther when he mentioned being too busy NOT to pray.

Now, it’s on to the next thing, which is next Sunday. World Communion Sunday, and the celebration of some young people taking their first communion. Lots to do! There is always a next Sunday, in the local parish. Yes, we remember peace, and interfaith, and getting along with each other. Every day! Yet, the calendar goes round and round. On to the next thing.

Dear God, help me to finish up with the peace-making activities well. And, help me to prepare for the World Communion Sunday celebration! 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

Interfaith Walk for Peace, and More

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, September 24, 2016

Interfaith Walk for Peace, and More

Today was the Morton Grove Interfaith Walk for Peace. An event that I have been working on and hoping and praying for, for a bunch of weeks. Such a great response for the Interfaith Walk! All ages, strollers, someone in a wheelchair. Wonderful cross-section of the community in Morton Grove walking with us today.

As I went from one group of walkers to another, I heard bits of conversations—friendly, encouraging talk between diverse people. People from different places and from different faith traditions.

I heard many people today looking forward to another Morton Grove Interfaith Walk for Peace next September! With a nearby suburb having a Peace Festival this weekend as well, I can envision a North Shore Peace Initiative—especially if many of us talked to friends about Interfaith Walks in other, neighboring suburbs of Chicago.

Just think. If people built bridges of peace, friendship and harmony. Just imagine. Less ignorance and misunderstanding. What a wonderful place the Chicago area could be.

Such an awesome start! Let’s keep the conversation going. Dear God, let it be so! Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers for peace, harmony, and an end to conflict and violence. Amen.

Peace.

@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

An Interview for Peace, and More

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, September 22, 2016

An Interview for Peace, and More

This afternoon, I had an interview. I was talking with several guys in a radio station control room. (WCGO-AM in Evanston.)

We all had earphones on, and were talking into large microphones. (All of that seemed a bit odd at first, but I got used to it.) The funny thing about this experience? It was just a conversation between me and two other guys.

The topic of the conversation was pointed towards peace, however. Yes, we went several other places, but that was the starting and the ending point of my interview. Peace. Yes, I did mention the Interfaith Gathering for Peace I had at St. Luke’s Church last night. (Just briefly.) However, I concentrated more on what is coming up this weekend.

I almost feel like a broken record, since I have talked about this and encouraged people to attend this for some weeks now. The Morton Grove Interfaith Walk for Peace. In such a diverse and multi-cultural community as Morton Grove, this walk lifts up our diversity and is a way to express friendship and fellowship towards one another. Plus, we will try to learn more about each other by walking together. Visiting different houses of worship, faith and culture.

An interview for peace. Actually, for peace’s sake. Let us all pursue peace. #PursuePEACE. God willing, we all can try, one kind word at a time. One act of service at a time. One friendly smile at a time.

@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-ers

Preparing for International (Day of) Peace

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Preparing for International (Day of) Peace

Tomorrow is the day designated as the International Day of Peace. Not because I said so, but because the United Nations said so. All over the world.

Peace is fleeting. People hope for peace. Peace is hard to come by. People—sometimes—despair of peace. That was one hope the United Nations had when they first instituted the International Day of Peace in 2001. It has been happening every year since. And, tomorrow is the day.

I am currently involved in peace activities here in the Chicago area. Tomorrow—with it being the International Day of Peace—I will open the doors of my church, St. Luke’s Christian Community Church, from 7 to 8 pm. We are gathering for a time of Interfaith Meditation and Prayer on Peace. Everyone is welcome.

Yes, the Big Day. In fact, this peace activity has enlarged to a Peace Week. Much hoped for, much lauded. I will also be involved in a Morton Grove Interfaith Walk for Peace on Saturday morning, and I will speak on Peace to the Evanston Peace Festival on Sunday afternoon. Wonderful opportunities. Speaking of opportunities, I am going to be interviewed on WGCO radio on Wednesday afternoon, talking about PEACE.

Dear God, help me to pace myself, and get everything needful done in the next few days. And Lord, especially, may we all #PursuePEACE. Live peaceably. Love many.

@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

God’s Word Brings Peace.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, September 8, 2016

God’s Word Brings Peace.

Psalm 119 is one of my favorite psalms. Hands down. I love so many things about it. First off, every one of its 176 verses mentions God’s word. Or, statutes, or God’s law. In a multitude of ways, this chapter of the Hebrew Scriptures acknowledges the awesomeness of God’s Word, the Bible.

I’d like to focus on one verse: Psalm 119:165. “Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.”

This verse comes at the tail end of the psalm. You’d think, after dozens and dozens of verses of description, of how amazing God’s Word is—but, no. The unknown author powers through to the end, extolling the wonders of the Bible.

Back to verse 165. This verse talks about peace. As in, shalom. Not only the cessation of conflict and war, not to mention violence. But, the harmony and wholeness of shalom. How the Bible—and the regular, intentional reading of it—provides peace.

Now, the author does not say, but I see this verse as talking about the inside attitude. The attitude of people who regularly read the Bible and study it.

I am sure the author knows about the various uncertain situations here in this world, because he uses descriptive language concerning the uneasy, unpleasant world in other verses.  I know the author wants to show that God’s Word can help overcome, no matter what the adversary, no matter how unpleasant the situation. Plus, in this particular verse, the author affirms that God’s Word brings peace. God’s Word helps the reader to maintain a firm footing, a firm grip on their road or their way. I don’t know about you, but I sure need that!

Let’s pray. Gracious God, thank You for all of the many varieties of help, encouragement and support we may find in God’s Word—the Bible. Especially, thank You for the certainty the author has in this verse: those who love Your Word will not stumble, and peace will come into their hearts. Not only passing peace, peace on the surface, but great peace. I need great peace right now. Thank You for this good promise. 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.  #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

Praying, Sleeping Peacefully

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, September 1, 2016

Praying, Sleeping Peacefully

This is a new month, a month in which many in this world remember peace. I wanted to focus on selected bible verses that feature peace prominently.

First, Psalm 4:8.

I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for You alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.

This psalm is a psalm of David. David writes here about insomnia. (I’m only partially being tongue in cheek.) Seriously, the author writes about having disturbed sleep. And, he suggested a method of prayer in which the faithful seek the Lord. Plus, he warns against “sin” by thinking honestly and openly about sinful things he’s done. Not covering them up.

This method is simple and straightforward. This is one way David found to avoid tossing and turning on his bed every day. Be honest and open. And, the Lord will bless David with peace. Peace and safety.

What a positive, nurturing thing to do. How wonderful to have the possibility of restful sleep. And peace. God’s peace.

Gracious God, thank You for offering us a cure for insomnia. Sin-induced insomnia. God, help me to continue to come to You with difficulties, mistakes, problems, sin. Thank You for forgiving me and loving me—forgiving us and loving us. Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our a

@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

Making Plans for Prayer, Meditation

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Making Plans for Prayer, Meditation

International Peace Day. Looking forward to Wednesday, September 21.

Here in the Chicago area, praying for peace goes far above and beyond. I mean, Chicago started observing a Day of Peace before the United Nations made it a thing. Since 1978.

Lots of events are planned for Wednesday, September 21, all over the world. Not only the moment of silence at 12 noon, but also Peace Walks, Peace Book, and other Peace Day events. Speeches, skits, songs, musical performances, international participants. All centered around peace in our homes, our neighborhoods, our cities.

I try to pursue peace in the community where I live as well as the community where I work. My small part this September 21 is opening the church where I work from 7 to 8 pm for ecumenical meditation and prayer. If anyone is near Morton Grove, Illinois on that Wednesday evening, St. Luke’s Church will open its doors to anyone who wishes to pursue peace. Meditate. Pray.

I know not everyone has a religious appreciation for prayer, but so many people are spiritual. So many appreciate a quiet, nurturing place for meditation. The church will host that, in an effort to bring many people together.

Dear Lord, I pray for Wednesday, September 21st. I ask You to guide me in our preparations, and support all of us as we continue to strive for peace. 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.  #PursuePEACE. My Facebook page, Pursuing Peace – Thanks! And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er