Grateful, Thankful Prayers

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, November 24, 2016

Grateful, Thankful Prayers

It has been a thankful, grateful past few days. First, a wonderful opportunity to gather together for a beautiful service on Wednesday night. Yes, the Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve service happened, for anyone who felt especially thankful. (And, even for those who did not, but were trying to feel thankful.) So interesting and heartening to come together, to be thankful. What an opportunity to see and hear from different faith traditions and religious leaders.

Yes, what happened in the service was wonderful last night. However—I thought one of the best times of the night was the time of refreshments after the service. Almost all of the people who attended the interfaith service came to the fellowship hall afterwards. And, you should have heard the talking, laughing, and otherwise mingling together going on. Such a friendly, welcoming, wonderful thing!

Today’s turkey dinner (which was superb, by the way) was a family affair. Small, cozy, and welcoming. All of my children—now grown—were here with me. Truly, a time to be grateful and thankful for all that God has given to us.

Dear Lord, Giving God, we give thanks for the beauty of Your world, and for the holiness of Your temple. We give thanks for the fruits of the earth and for the labors of those who harvest. We pray for all those in need, who hunger and thirst because they have limited resources. Provide not only for us in our abundance, but also for the relief of all who are in need, here in the Chicago area, as well as throughout this world. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of Your great bounty, Lord. We give You thanks and praise, to the glory of Your Name. Alleluia, amen!

Peace to all at this thankful, grateful time of the year

@chaplaineliza

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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.