Lots to Pray About

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, July 10, 2016

Lots to Pray About

Lots to pray about? That is an understatement.

Yes, at my church—in the family of faith I belong to—there are many prayer needs and prayer requests. Even some joys in prayer. However, in the country where I live, there are even more prayer needs. Serious, even agonizing needs.

I feel strongly about these larger, serious prayer needs. There are a number of wrongful deaths that occurred during the past few weeks. I realize feelings are still running high, throughout the country. I believe that prayer can assist. Assist with feelings, both negative and positive. And, assist us even in dealing with horror and agony.

So much fear, anxiety, even violence here in the Chicago area. Added to that, the injustice in the country against many others. When I consider all the pain in the situations, in the lives of the various individuals and families involved, I am saddened beyond measure. I realize that trauma and pain can still infiltrate the feelings of many.

Alone, I sometimes cry over all the fear, horror and pain. But when I join together with others, in relationships, I won’t be as likely to shrink into myself. People will still mourn, but still feel the companionship of others.

Prayer can help in many situations. Others can help to bear the burdens and pain. Please, God, hearken to our prayers. All of our prayers.

@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

PEACE: Living in a Civil Union (Repost)

This repost is especially for the Facebook group Pursuing Peace. Yes, people can be afraid of some legitimately awful things and situations out there in the world. However, we can also think about the good things. The positive, encouraging things. Think on those things.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, February 28, 2016

PEACE is Living in a Civil Union

Another day continuing the listening tour. Another day of journeying to various locations over the next weeks in my efforts to pursue PEACE.

I so appreciate Rev. Joe McInnis’s invitation to attend the church he pastors, in Wilmette, Illinois. I was glad I had the chance to worship with the congregation, too.

After the service, I had the opportunity to ask several people their opinion of PEACE. What is their personal view of the word PEACE?

One woman wrote out her definition, and then gave me further information about it. Mindy Davis considers PEACE to be “living in a civil union.”

In all seriousness, Mindy thinks the Chicago area—not to mention the United States—to be a more dangerous place than it was only ten years ago. “I am more fearful today, and not just politically. Much more so than I have been in my entire life. That is where I am right now. Things are not civil at all. People my age are going out today and buying guns. It’s very concerning.” Mindy thanked me for wanting to continue the conversation about PEACE.

Yes, I know—at least, partially—what Mindy is talking about. And, I feel badly that there is more fear, more anxiety, heightened security, and less PEACE than ever before. It breaks my heart to think that there are individuals who think so little of the wellbeing, safety and security of others. Incivility, to say the least.

These sad individuals are just that: sad, lost, in need of some kind of-something.  Deep down, I mean. I realize each individual has issues and difficulties of their own. Yet, my heart breaks at the meanness, nasty attitudes, and sometimes downright violence that these individuals cause. Not only cause, but also escalate.

It warms my chaplainly heart to hear that people are concerned for this aspect of PEACE. I not only want to continue the conversations promoting PEACE, but also to be there to listen when folks express fears, anxiety, and even suspicion.

Dear Lord, gracious God, thank You for Your presence with me. Not just when times are good, and happy, but when times are scary, and evil, and sometimes even traumatic. You still come alongside of all of us. Each one of us, all of us have that opportunity to have You come alongside us. Just as King David said in Psalm 23, even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, You are with us. Thanks, 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 my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE is NO Fighting, NO Hatred

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, March 16, 2016

PEACE is NO Fighting, NO Hatred

Today, both personal definitions of PEACE involve fighting. Or rather, NOT fighting.

Another day to present two young people from St. Viator’s High School in Arlington Heights. Another day to see what kinds of amazing thoughts these high schoolers have.

Julia’s definition: “PEACE is no fighting/no hatred.” When I saw that, I thought it was pretty self-explanatory. However, just in case, I decided to ask for a further explanation. Julia said, “It’s unnecessary to fight to solve problems. I personally don’t like war and fighting.”

Grace’s definition: “PEACE is communicating calmly.” When asked for further information, Grace’s response was, “I think people ought to solve things reasonably. Try communicating!”

Both definitions lift up something important. Vital. Even, fundamental. I have seen so much fighting, violence, division, even scathing hatred. Isn’t this simple and straight-forward?

Dear Lord, how much more fundamental can a person get? No fighting. No hatred. Communicate calmly! 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