(Bissel Cove)
1 Thessalonians 5:17 exhorts us to “pray without ceasing.” That’s a pretty tall order. Afterall, we do have other things to do! Prayer, however, is something we can do with each breath. Each step we take through a day can be a prayer – a connection with the Divine. Sometimes prayer is conscious. Sometimes it gently moves through our day with us, below the surface but still present.
This week, I leave you with a prayer for the church. As you move through your week, I ask that you might lift up a prayer as a conscious way of calling God’s Spirit to continue working through us here at PMBC and in the church global.
Blessings,
Pastor Amy
Spirit of Jesus–
Come with fire that refines,
Water that refreshes,
Wind that topples,
Breath that fills.
Kindle a global revival of empathy, justice, and
active peacemaking.
Birth a witness of Love that is bigger and better
than what we inherited.
Liberate us from privilege and oppression.
Unshackle the gospel from nationalism, colonialism,
white supremacy, and every other lens
that shrouds the Good News.
Give us abundance of grace for others and ourselves.
Grant us compassion for those who suffer.
Free us from the influence of money, power, and acclaim.
Restore our reputation for caring for the poor,
loving our neighbors, being ambassadors of
peace and stewards of the earth.
Unlock the immense resources hoarded in the
Western Church and release them for your name’s sake.
Encourage us, so we do not grow cynical,
isolated, and burnt-out.
Fan our hopes, our joys, and our connections.
Allow us rest when we need rest.
Enable us to see you in each person we encounter.
Show us mercy in our humanity.
Let us love more fully than we thought possible.
Let us not be quick on the draw, ready to retaliate, escalate, assassinate.
Let us collective fervor for justice eclipse institutional concerns.
Let us trust and follow the wisdom of those who
have been marginalized.
Let us persevere in creating safe places of worship
to eat bread and drink wine together.
Let us stand for Love and with Love, following
the way of your Son as best we’re able.
Let us not fear an experiential spirituality.
Let us listen to the wondrous bodies you gave us.
Let us hear your voice and tangibly feel you with us.
Let us discern your guidance.
Let us abide in and with you.
Show us what you’re doing, so we can work
together. Move where you will, when you
will, in whatever way you will. Come,
Holy Spirit, and restore your church.
Amen[1]
[1] Emily Swan, “A Prayer for the Church,” in A Rhythm of Prayer: A Collection of Meditations for Renewal, edited by Sarah Bessey (New York: Convergent, 2021: 42-44.
