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2005 ELMC Prayer of the Month Archives

ELMC Prayers of the Month

December 2005

Friends,

 
It is hard to believe it; but this is our final ELMC prayer for the year 2005.  We thank, Miriam "Mim" Campbell, Associate Director for Christian Eduation, Children and Family Ministries for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Chair of the Committee on Family Ministries and Human Sexuality, for the reflections, prayer, and blessing to close out the 2005 ELMC Prayer Calendar.  This month, we lift up the following:
 
ELMC:

Ecumenical Youth Ministries Staff Team; December 4-8, Orlando

Prayer Concerns:

* Continued strength and improved health for Chuck A., ABCUSA member of ELMC, and his daughter

* Advent and Christmas

* World AIDS Day, December 1

* Human Rights Day, December 10

* First Day of Winter, December 21

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Friends and Partners in Ministry

From one year to the next, we mark the moment and memory of Christmas in our hearts.  In memory of my visit to Westminster Cathedral in London on December 23, 2004, I'd like to share a prayer with you that prompted people to pray beside a life-size stable scene and a blessing that refreshed us as we went on our way. (They were both displayed without reference to the author.)

And so, we join in prayer for those who travel, those who celebrate, those who strive in the midst of challenge and those who meet for the sake of furthering the ministry of Christ during this advent season....

Heavenly Father, on the first Christmas night, strangers found the holy family and saw the Christ child lying in the manger.  Bless our homes and all whom we love; strengthen those who work for peace and justice throughout the world. Bring comfort to all who suffer and open our hearts that He may be born in us this Christmas.  Amen.

And, we are refreshed by this simply amazing blessing....

May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Mary and Joseph, and the peace of the Christ Child be yours this Christmas. Amen.

Peace to you and God's Children.

 

November 2005

We thank Francis Bourne, Church of the Brethren, member of the Deaf Ministry Committee, for this heartfelt offering to God on our behalf for this month.

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Our Father in Heaven,
 
We come before You, only Holy One, with our truly open hearts.  Holy Spirit, be among us for this month of November.  You have filled us as we celebrate this Thanksgiving season.  We constantly praise You, Lord, for what You have done for us, even as we reflect on the sadness and tragedies of the recent months.  We remember on November 1, All Saints' Day, all those saints in our lives and pray that we so live as saints before others.  We are thankful for Jesus Christ, who was sent by You, the Father in Heaven who loves us so much, grew up in our sinful world and died for our sins.  We are thankful for Christ who is now ruling with You over us in Heaven, recognizing that the only way we can live eternally is through our belief in Him.  We believe He will take care of all of us that pray to Him for His wisdom and guidance.  We collectively pray, God, that You look over those people who are now without homes, secure living, and sufficient food because of all the devastation in the southern region of the US.  We, your humble people, express our sympathy to those Pakistanis who lost their beloved ones and those in China affected by the bird flu.  Also, we constantly pray for peace in every country, especially France, Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, Palestine, and their neighbors.  At this time, we remember that one of Jesus' greatest commandments is to love your neighbors as yourself.  We strive to love everyone just as You, Father in Heaven, love us so much.
 
For this month, we pray that You bless those who are working and serving for Your glory:
 
ELMC Meetings:
 November 13-15--Pacific Asian American/Canadian Christian Education Ministries; San Francisco, CA
 
NCCCUSA:
 November 7--Young Adult Pre Assembly Event, Hunt Valley, MD
 November 8--NCCCUSA Governing Board Meeting
 November 8-10--NCCCUSA General Assembly--Young Adult Stewards Program
 The Strategic Planning Process
Other Prayer Concerns:
 Mim C., ELCA and Chair of the Committee on Family Ministries and Human Sexuality, and her family in the recent passing of her father
 Those affected by the catastrophic earthquake in Southeast Asia
 The work of the newly formed NCCCUSA Special Commission for the Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast
 
We thank You, God, for filling us with joy, as we will persist in our faithfulness in You, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  AMEN

October 2005

We thank The Rev. Dr. Daryl Ingram, Executive Director of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Christian Education Department and member of the Commitee on Black Congregational Ministries and the Committee on the Uniform Series, for this beautiful and timely prayer.

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O God of infinite grace and immeasurable mercy, we praise you, praying that you will hear and receive our humble pleas. You protect your fragile creatures in times of peril and danger through your divine protection and providence.  You encourage your frail servants in times of despair and desperation through your abiding presence and provision. Therefore, God, remember not our manifold transgressions of arrogance and weakness.  Restore us to holy living through faith in Christ Jesus and by the awesome power of the Holy Ghost.

Though Hurricanes Katrina and Rita disrupted and destroyed our very lives and livelihoods, we are most grateful for the survival of many.  We pray that your peace will be with the lost and their loved ones.  Comfort the displaced and distraught with abundant grace.  Help us to understand and accept your divine will amidst our confused minds and muddled souls. Remind us of your majestic, sovereign compassion through healing our hurts in these natural disasters.  Renew in us a spirit of a bright tomorrow.

For these things and many other unspoken petitions, grant that your will be done to us.  Bless these labors and activities of the NCCC:

ELMC Meetings:
Program Committee on Education for Mission--Cleveland, OH--October. 3-5
Committee on Black Congregational Ministries--Toronto, ON, Canada--October 6-8
Ecumenical Young Adult Ministries Team, Portland, OR--October 13-16
Committee on Public Education and Literacy--Memphis, TN--October 24-26
Committee on Justice for Children and their Families/Committee on Family Ministries and Human Sexuality--Daytona, FL--October 26-30

Other Meetings:
National Council of Churches USA Faith and Order Commission--October 13-15
International Conference on Violence and Christian Spirituality--October 27-29,--Brookline, MA--Hosted by Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, the World Council of Churches and the Boston Theological Institute
Shift Your Space--WCC US Office Young Adult Conference--October 8-10, Chicago, IL
Annual Meeting--US Conference of WCC--Pre-Assembly Event--October 10-12, Chicago, IL
WCC US Conference Consultation on Challenges Facing the Ecumenical Movement in the 21st Century with WCC Moderator, His Holiness Aram I, October 22, New York

Concerns:
Victims of the Hurricane and aftermath
World Communion Day-- October 2
Christian, Jewish, Muslim Nationwide Fast for Reflection, Repentance, Renewal and Reconciliation-- October 13

O God, may your Kingdom be manifested in the earthy colony of Heaven, the Church, forever and ever. AMEN.

September 2005

Friends,

 

We thank The Rev. David Denham, United Church of Christ, NCC Committee on Disabilities Chair, for this month's beautiful prayer cued by Henri Nouwen's The Inner Voice of Love.  We prayer for:

  • The Rev. Lisa C., ELCA, Committee on Disabilities, who is recovering from a stroke
  • Rosemary G., Committee on Disabilities, in the recent passing of her mother
  • Those who struggle to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters
  • Students, Faculty, Staff, Administrators, Parents as a new school year resumes for many
  • The Light a Candle for Children 40-day Prayer Vigil which begins Sunday, September 4--NCC Governing Board has covenanted to pray on Tuesday, September 27th 
We also pray for the following NCC and ELMC related meetings:
  •  NCC Program Staff Retreat, Sept. 7-8; Washington, DC
  • Church World Service Education and Advocacy Board, Sept. 13; New York, NY
  • Committee on Disabilities and the Interfaith Disability Pre-Summit, Sept. 19-21; Washington, DC
  • NCC Governing Board meeting, Sept. 26-27; New York, NY
  • Nominations Committee as it works to put forth names for leadership to the council, Sept. 27th
  • Stewards Program Selection Committee
  • Cooperative Publication Association meeting, Sept. 28-30; Indianapolis, IN

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God of many names, the lion within me roars with initiative-taking and decision-making. But too, there is a lamb within me speaking with fear and out of my vulnerability.  I need your affection, support, affirmation, and nurturing.  My lion leaves me overextended and exhausted.  My lamb fears becoming a victim of my need for other people's attention.  O God, I desire for my lion and lamb to create peace within me, to lie down freely and fearlessly together.  

 

This inner tension between my lion and my lamb leaves me in pain, too often a pain so deep that it endures and does not leave me.  It links me with earlier and more painful life experiences.  Your scripture calls forth in me to take up my cross, to remember the cross of Jesus, but also to take up my deepest pain.  Let not my pain continue to injure me and others.  Let me incorporate my pain as part of who I am.  Let my pain bear fruit in my heart and in the hearts of others.

 

Help me, O God, to grow from the pain of others.  Help me to see the vulnerability of others, as a source for my own spiritual growth.  Help me to see the obstacles of life as moments of new beginnings in my spiritual journey.  May I experience disability in myself or others as a witness of vulnerability leading to resurrection in my life.

 

God, let your still speaking voice be heard in me and our world.  Let nothing separate me from you and your love.  Amen.

August 2005

As we continue to move through summer, we are indebted to The Rev. Dr. Arthur Kelly, Christian Education Coordinator for the Church of God (Anderson) and ELMC Administrative Board member, for this very honest and beautiful prayer.

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Dear God, 

I confess that I spend most of my days bewildered.  

I believe that you are engaged with me, in others, in your church, and in your world and that you are hard at the work of reconciliation-bringing it all together to be the world you originally dreamed. I believe that you are engaged in loving action on behalf of all humanity. I believe that you care about us all so much that your heart is in a state of constant brokenness. 

I believe it; help my unbelief.

I believe that but am struggling to see it.

 

Instead my CNN eyes see nationalism running amuck.

Instead my NPR eyes see fanaticism of all varieties, but especially religious, destroying countries and cities not to mention lives and dreams.

Instead my NBC eyes see factionalism, self-promotion, and posturing limiting the purposes of government.

Instead my ABC eyes see persons sleeping on streets, abused children, dissolving marriages, and full prisons.

Instead my CBS eyes see bombs exploding and innocents dying. 

I confess that it is very, very hard to see you at work and so I spend most of my days bewildered. I pray daily, Lord, that your kingdom will come and for your will to be done. I pray that personally: that your rule will come in and through me and that your rule will be done in and through me. But I feel pretty helpless and am sorely tempted by "weak resignation to the evils we deplore...." More often than I'd like to confess the words "Oh, what's the use?" escape my lips. 

Forgive me for my cynicism and replace it with hope.

Forgive me for my distrust and replace it with trust.

Forgive me for the blinders I wear and take them from my eyes.

Forgive me for my eagerness to blame and replace it with expectation.

Forgive me for the ease with which I embrace a that's-just-how-things-are realism and turn-from-a-God-is-at-work idealism.

Forgive me for forgetting you.

 

For all those who are hopeful, trusting, expecting, remembering-thanks and bless them with your Grace.

For all those who refuse to give up in the face of overwhelming realities-thanks and bless them with your Love.

For all those who reject cynicism and embrace your Spirit-thanks and bless them with your Presence.

For all those who look daily into the hungry eyes of starving children and parents-thanks and bless them with your living Bread.

For all those who look daily into the starving souls of the lost and forgotten-thanks and bless them with your living Word.

For all those who seek lost sheep, struggling to bring them back into the fold-thanks and bless them with the green pastures and still waters of your living Love.

For all those struggling with the loss of mother-father, brother-sister, child-grandchild, lover-spouse-partner-take them in your everlasting arms and comfort them beyond words of compassion taking them into your passionately loving ever-broken ever-healing heart. 
 

We pray especially for these particular needs from our larger faith community: 

ELMC Prayer Concerns: 

  • Pray for Jane L., CC (DoC), administrative board member, and her family in the death of her one year old grandson, Matthew, and the illness of his brother, Parker.

Prayer Concerns: 

  • Pray for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and its newly elected General Minister and President, The Rev. Sharon Watkins.
  • Pray for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America during its Churchwide Assembly, August 8-14 in Orlando, FL
  • Genocide in Dafur.
  • Families dealing with domestic violence.
  • Those whose lives have been affected by the London bombings and other acts of terrorism
  • "Keep the Vote Alive Pro-Democracy March and Rally" in Atlanta on August 6 to kick off a two-year campaign to extend Sections II and V of the Voting Rights Act, which was signed by President Johnson on August 6, 1965.

 

In the name of the One who said,  "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30 nrsv). 

Amen.

July 2005

We are so appreciative of The Rev. William F. "Bill" Owens, Coordinator for Curriculum Development, Congregational Ministries Publishing, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Chair of the Curriculum Conversations Relating Theory and Practice for this month's prayer.  

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As in a dry and thirsty land, our soul thirsts for you, O Lord our God. We long to know you, and to be known by you.  By your Holy Spirit that flows through all life, you were powerfully present in the life and ministry of Jesus our Lord.  Yet too often we look for something more dramatic, someone less simple.  We do not recognize your presence right here and right now.  Give us spirits that respond to your Spirit calling us to live now and to live fully, that we may touch the reality of life you have given us.  Hear our prayers. 

We remember David B., contracted staff for the Committee on Public Education and Literacy, as he makes the transition of a new pastorate. 

We are mindful of and pray for these Communion Gatherings:  American Baptist Churches USA (July 1-3, biennial meeting, Denver, CO); Church of the Brethren (July 2-6, Annual Conference, Peoria, IL); United Church of Christ, Atlanta, July 1-5; National Association of Ecumenical and Interreligious Staff (July 9-12, Annual Conference, Indianapolis, IN); Friends United Meeting (July 13-17, Triennial, Des Moines, IA); Orthodox Church in America (July 17-22, 14th All-American Council, Toronto, Canada); African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (July 19-23, Connectional Council, New Orleans, LA); Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (July 23-26, General Assembly, Portland, OR); Centenary Congress of the Baptist World Alliance (July 27-31, celebration of 100th anniversary, Birmingham, England); and, Syriac Orthodox Archdiocesan Convention (July 28-31, Teaneck, NJ). 

Almighty God, bless us with restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships so that we may seek truth boldly and live from the depth of our heart; 

Holy God, bless us with holy anger at inequity, oppression and exploitation, so that we may work tirelessly for justice, freedom and peace among all people; 

Loving and merciful God, bless us with tears to shed with those who suffer pain, disease, rejection, starvation of the body, starvation of the soul, or the loss of all they cherish, so that we may reach out our hand to comfort them and transform their suffering into joy; and, 

Bless us, we pray, with enough foolishness to believe that we can really make a difference in this world, so that we are able, with your grace, to do what others claim cannot be done. 

Let it be so; Amen.

June 2005

We thank The Rev. June Boutwell for this gracious offering.  June has served as Minister for Youth, Young Adults and Outdoors for the United Church of Christ, serving on three ELMC program ministry committees:  Ecumenical Youth Ministries Staff Team, Ecumenical Young Adult Ministries Team, and Committee on Outdoor Ministries.  This offering is particularly meaningful because June has ended this particular phase of her ministry to begin her new ministry as an interim middle judicatory ministry executive in Maine.  Our prayers go with her.
 
Holy One:
 
We come before you with thanksgiving and praise. 
 
In this time of transitions we are thankful for your sustaining presence with us.  We celebrate graduations, internships, new jobs, weddings, births and all the reminders of the sweetness of life and of the growth that you provide as we journey through our allotted days.
 
Yet, in the midst of our joys and celebration, we are aware of those moments in life for which we pray for strength, comfort and your presence with us.  We are reminded of those who have suffered loss through death, diminished capacity, and illness.  We pray for those who are struggling with circumstances which are beyond their control--loss of employment, economic hardship, family griefs.
 
We especially pray this day for those in our ecumenical community--
 
Chuck A, American Baptist Churches Associate Executive Director for Discipleship and Education Ministries, who recently had an operation to remove a brain tumor and is now undergoing radiation treatments and his daughter who has also experienced serious health challenges.
 
Ima Jean K. retired NCC Ministries in Christian Education staff, as she faces serious health challenges.
 
We also lift up to you those places in which we labor in your name--
 
Camp, conference and outdoor ministry programs which are just getting underway and all those who volunteer to work with your children of all ages.
 
Committee on Family Ministries and Human Sexuality Leadership Team Meeting--June 8-9, Louisville, KY
 

and for those opportunities we have to honor your creation and abiding presence--

June 5th--UN World Environment Day

June 19th--Orthodox Pentecost

June 19th--Father's Day

June 21st--First Day of Summer

June 26th--UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

All these we offer to you. 

Amen


May 2005

We thank Ms. Anita Marshall, Coordinator of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Writer's Guild and Member of the Committee on the Uniform Series, for offering this inspiring prayer for us the month of May.

* * * *

 O Lord, our God,

 

We greet You on this day, glorying and magnifying Your name.  We look to the majestic mountains and see You there.  We look to the verdant valleys and see You there.  We see You, Lord, in the sun and moon, in the oceans and rivers.  We see all that You have created; and, we are thankful.

 

And so in the moment of abject humility, we stretch out our hands as we seek a new creation from You.  We wait for You to create within us clean hearts, minds that focus on justice, hands prepared and willing to work, and souls that hunger and thirst for righteousness.

 

We pray that the swords of war and destruction around the world be turned into instruments of peace and harmony.

 

We pray that our eyes will be opened like the disciples who walked the road to Emmaus.  We want to see Jesus so we can treat others justly, to love others tenderly, and to walk humbly before You as we address the domestic abuse, violence to and by our children, personal and corporate greed and insensitivity, joblessness, homelessness, and lost of hope ravaging the global community. 

 

Resurrect us to a new life.  One that is filled with a deep abiding passion for You and for Your Son, Jesus Christ.  We seek to heal the sick.  We seek to set the prisoners free.  We seek to become equipped as peacemakers.  We seek to illumine others with Jesus' joy.

 

Stretch our Your hand and touch the lives of these, our sisters and brothers, who call upon Your benevolence and please make Your Presence known in these events, celebrations, and observances:

 

·       Former NCC and CUS staff who have journeyed to a new place in their lives.

·       Those who mourn the passing of Joe Nash, former NCC staff, who will be remembered by the many people whose lives he touched.

·       Pope Benedict XVI, the new Roman Catholic Pope.  Fill him with wisdom and kindness; but, most of all fill him with the Holy Spirit.

·        Patrice, who begins her three months sabbatical on May 22.  May the angels wrap a blanket of comfort, peace, and joy around her.

·       The entire ELMC staff during Patrice's absence.  Imbue them with the wisdom, courage, and unity necessary for carrying on ELMC's work.

·       All ELMC ministries as they continue to explore, to lift up, and become more intentional in eradicating all aspects of racial, cultural, and other biases that separate and divide Your people.

·       Linda L., Committee on Disabilities Contract Staff, as she moves to a new home and the start of a new full time position.  Her hands are full as she makes these life adjustments and continues to support the work of the committee.  Help us to celebrate these resurrection experiences in her life.

·       The Committee on Justice for Children and their Families as it meets in Washington, D.C. from May 22 through May 23

·       NCCCUSA Governing Board meeting in Louisville on May 23-24

·      Young Adult Environmental Justice Conference in Louisville on May 20-22

·      The Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Athens, Greece; May 9-16; Theme:  "Come, Holy Spirit, Heal and Reconcile" and the Sub-Theme:  "Called in Christ to be Reconciling and Healing Communities

·      The Eastern Church's celebration of Easter, May 1

·      The Western Church's celebration of Pentecost, May 15

·      The National Day of Prayer-May 5

·      Mother's Day-May 8

·      Cover the Uninsured Week-May 1-8

This is the day that You, O Lord, have made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.  Amen

 

April 2005

We thank The Rev. Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, General Secretary of the Department of Christian Education of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and the new Chair of the Committee on Uniform Series, for this beautiful prayer for April.

 

*  *  *  *

 

God of Grace and Glory!  Holy Trinity, we worship and praise you all the days of our lives.  We adore you and exalt you on high.  Heaven and earth praise your Holy name.  All glory belongs to you, God, who has been our help in ages past and continues to be present with us now.  Your promises are good for tomorrow and forevermore.  You reveal yourself through your Word and we are assured of your presence day by day in so many ways. 

 

We celebrate that we have been called to worship you and witness again the passion and Resurrection.  We praise you for the hope we have in eternal life that you have given us through the Easter message.  We are grateful for the small resurrections you provide in our everyday lives.  When we have been lonely, you have been our company-keeper.  When we have been sad, you have been our joy in the morning.  When we have been in pain, you have been our relief.  When we have been discouraged, you have been our encouragement.  When we have been in despair, you have been our hope.  When we have been persecuted, you have been our strong word of hope.  When we have been afraid, you have been there to say, "Do not fear."   When we have been held captive, you have been our deliverer.  When we have been in danger, you have been our strong arm of protection.   When we have not been sure of our direction, you have been our compass.  When we have been parentless, you have been our parent.  When we have walked in dark places, you have been our light.  When we have fallen away into sin, you have been there with open arms to welcome us home. 

 

So God of our past, present and future we confess that we have often strayed and not done your will.  We confess that we have not always loved our neighbors as ourselves.  We confess that we have not always loved our fellow disciples as you have commanded with the new commandment you left us.  We confess that we have been culturally incompetent and insensitive to needs of others.  We confess that we have sinned against you time and time again. 

 

We come to you because it is your divine nature to have mercy.  We lift our confessions to you and ask for you to have mercy on us.  We hear in your Word that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.  We respond with thanksgiving that Christ did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.  Thank you for your forgiveness.  We thank you Father, Son and Holy Spirit for being our God and loving us.

 

We thank you for all of your great mercies and all of your provisions in our lives.  We are grateful how we are able to witness your mercies each morning.  We thank you for the witness of love and peace to the world through the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA.  We are thankful for the leadership at the Council office and the commissions and committees made up of men and women who are faithful to that witness. 

 

We lift up these concerns and the people who are involved specifically in the ministry of the NCCCUSA.  We pray for these meetings and events:

  • March 28--April 9  NCCCUSA Delegation to Asia
  • April 4-7, 2005--National Workshop on Christian Unity, New Orleans, LA
  • April 5-7--Communication Commission; Nashville, TN
  • April 12--Tsunami Relief Concert; St. Louis, MO
  • April 24, 2005--Earth Day Sunday

We are thankful for how you allow members of ELMC to work together for the common good of humanity.   We lift the administrative board and the staff of ELMC in prayer as they endeavor to give leadership.

 

We are particularly mindful and lift up in prayer those who meet during this month.  Continue to provide the vision through the various committees.  We pray that your will be accomplished through the people who meet during April.  We lift up to you these meetings and the people involved:    

  • April 8-10--Program Committee on Education for Mission; New York, NY
  • April 14-17--Ecumenical Young Adult Ministries Team; San Francisco, CA
  • April 19-20--Committee on Public Education and Literacy; Washington, DC
  • April 21-23--Consultation on Curriculum Research and Theory; Nashville, TN

We lift to you the concerns of members of the ELMC family:

 

  • Mim C., Committee on Family Ministries and Human Sexuality, and her daughter, Elsa, as Elsa continues to deal with some serious health challenges
  • Linda L., Committee on Disabilities, and her pastor, his family, and the congregation as they deal with the grief and unanswered questions related to the passing of the pastor's daughter

 

We bask in the grace and glory of Easter, which come from you.  We humbly and hopefully offer these praises and petitions in the name of our Risen Savior, Jesus the Christ.  AMEN

March 2005

We thank Suzanne Getz Bates, Presbyterian Church, USA and Chair of the Committee on Outdoor Ministries, for the beautiful prayer for this month.

 

*  *  *  *

 

Dear Awesome God of Creation,

 

Thank you for giving us a place to live and work that is more beautiful, intricate and delicate than we could ever envision. Please help us this day as we do the work that you have given us to do to recall the inspiration that we felt during our time at the ELMC meeting. Help us to hear the waves break on the beach again. Give us the "ah ha" moments we need to do your work efficiently and surround us with colleagues who know and share your love with us. Help us today to remember the freedom of the birds on the beach and the refreshing cleansing of our souls that the gentle evening rain brought. Tonight clear our minds and hearts from worry, help us to rest in your everlasting arms and sleep like the birds nestled under their mother's wings.

 

Our footprints on the sand are so temporary, but your waves and your love never cease. Forgive us for covering up the windows of your creation and trying to create our own view of the world. Forgive us for denouncing the faults of others while ignoring our own. Please reveal the codes for living that you want us to follow. Open our minds and hearts to the people that you want us to meet and direct our paths.

 

Wrap your arms around these members of our community:

        
+ Cyreeta C., CME Church, member of Ecumenical Young Adult Ministries Team--passing of her father
       
+ Branson T., member of the Committee on Uniform Series--passing of his mother
 
+ Nan D., member of the Committee on Uniform Series--passing of her father-in-law
       
+ Pat C., PCUSA, Chair of the Committee on Justice for Children and their Families. We rejoice that she has been promoted to Associate Director for the Justice and Compassion Goal Area but are saddened to learn that she will no longer relate to our committee and that she is battling breast cancer.

 

Grant safe travel and clarity of vision and action for all of those involved in the following meetings:

 

            ELMC Meetings in March

           Committee on Uniform Series meeting; Charlotte, NC--March 13-17

 

NCCCUSA Meetings/Events in March

 

Faith and Order Commission; Atlanta, GA--March 17-19

 

Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Justice with Peace, theme "Make All Things New," Washington, D.C.--March 11-14, 2005

  

Please be with all of our members who are responsible for planning worship and events for celebrating Lent, Easter and Women's Herstory month.

 

 
We are so grateful for the energy and tasks that you have given us, but most of all we are grateful for the example of Jesus, the master storyteller, environmentalist and guardian of our lives. In His most precious name we pray, AMEN.

 

February 2005

We thank The Rev. Mary Jane Pierce Norton, Team Leader for Family & Life Span Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church, ELMC Vice Chair and member of the Committee on Family Ministries and Human Sexuality, for this beautiful and very timely prayer.  We also ask prayers for Kenneth S., PCUSA, member of the Ecumenical Young Adult Ministries Team, and his family as they grieve the recent passing of his mother, Carol, age 42, after her valiant battle with cancer. 
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 "I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6
 
    Gracious God:  Is it really February?  What happened to January? What happened to our resolutions and good intentions for this new year? How can it now be several weeks into this calendar year and we find ourselves rushed and behind in work and weighted by worries? 
 
    Help us listen to the scripture.  Help us rest in the assurance that what you have begun, you will bring to completion. And let us release those things that may be ego-bound for us or may work against your will instead of with your will.
 
    God, you are always the source of all our strength.  Strip us of the need to see myself as the source of all strength and open my eyes to see the strength I have in you.  
 
    At this time God we lift up in prayer our colleagues who will be doing meaningful work through meetings this month.  We ask for prayers for the NCCCUSA Governing Board Meeting February 14-15 in New York and for the Pacific Asian American/Canadian Christian Education Committee meeting February 24-26 in Honolulu, Hawaii.  
 
    We pray that those who were part of the NCCCUSA Delegation to the Middle East January 21-February 4 operated with the assurance of your presence and love as they performed this important mission. And we pray that your presence was felt at the meeting of the Interfaith Relations Commission in St. Petersburg, Florida.
 
    As we turn our hearts, our minds, our souls, and our bodies toward Lent, we pray that this Ash Wednesday be one that helps us commit to study and to practices that increase our ability to walk with you O God. 
 
    We pray particularly this month for those celebrating Chinese New Year on February 9 that they may embrace the celebrations and the hope a new year brings.
 
    We pray for learning and resolve as we as a nation observe African American Heritage Month. There are so many powerful voices that speak to us through these observances.  Thank you God for the witnesses we will encounter during this month.
 
    God, you have begun a good work among us through the ELMC January meeting as we strive to become culturally proficient. Let us trust that you will complete it.  Open us in ways we can't even imagine to see your love, appreciate your creative power, rejoice in the opportunities that come our way, and walk always closer to one another so that we may walk closer to you.  AMEN
 

January 2005

We thank The Rev. Billye P. Bridges, Director of Christian Education for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Chair of the NCC Committee on Black Congregational Ministries, for offering our first monthly ELMC prayer for 2005. 

"...He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea,'Peace!  Be Still!'..." 
Mark 4:39 NRSV
 
O Lord, our God, how excellent is thy name!  O Lord, our God, how excellent is thy name!  In these times of turbulence, war, strife, disaster and catastrophe, we seek your most holy face.  As we embark upon the new year, we anxiously anticipate the uncertainties, unknown, and uncharted.  Imbue us with your hope, peace and joy, as we prayerfully seek your will.
 
O mighty and all-knowing God, by your holy Word you taught us to have faith in you---that faith in action can move mountains.  Reveal to us, by calming the stormy wind and tumultuous sea, your awesome power and might.  Rebuke the ever-present forces of danger and peril, which continuously confront us.  Give us a contrite heart and broken spirit so that we may more fully experience your grace and selfless love.
 
O loving and merciful God, fill us, your empty vessels to the brim, like overflowing water, with the peace that passes all understanding.  Grant us an undaunted and unswerving faith in your holy presence, knowing that you shall supply all our needs.  Teach us, your children, to walk confidently in the power and saving grace of your resurrection.  Extend forever your loving and outstretched hand of mercy, leading us through the depths of unbelief, valley of dry bones and the path of unrighteousness
 
O gracious and everlasting God, fill our cup, so that we can more faithfully serve you.  Anoint us with the power of your Holy Spirit, so that we may never again have to wonder in awe, "What kind of man is this?"  Comfort us, lead us and guide us, so that within our hearts we may know your divine, all-compassing and ever-present protection.  Thank you for your unconditional love, unmerited favor and new mercies.
 
O Lord, our God, how excellent is thy name!  O Lord, our God, how excellent is thy name!  This month, we especially lift up in prayer the following meetings, celebrations, events, communions, and colleagues:
  • ELMC Administrative Board and Commission Meeting and its Anti-Racism Emphasis--January 6-10, 2005, Daytona Beach, FL
  • Committee on Outdoor Ministries Meeting--January 11-15, 2005, Daytona Beach, FL
  • Progressive National Baptist Convention, Christian Education Summit, January 20-23, Nashville, TN
  • Historic Joint Black Baptist Conventions' Mid-Winter Board Meeting:  Progressive National Baptist Convention, National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., National Baptist Convention of America, National Missionary Baptist Convention of America--January 24-27, Nashville, TN
  • Martin Luther King Observance:  Remember!  Celebrate!  Act!,  January 17, 2005--On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit.
  • Southeast Asia Catastrophe/Tsunami:  Countless people in Southeast Asia who are now without food, shelter and basic living supplies following the recent earthquake and resulting tsunami--Remembering the many lives lost.
  • Remembering Gladys B., the grandmother of Linda L., who passed away about a week before Christmas.
  • Elizabeth, the daughter of Anne T., as she continues to heal after a recent miscarriage.

With a grateful heart, we offer these concerns and joys in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  AMEN

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The Committee on Black Congregational Ministries' purpose is to nurture member communions and others in bringing an Africentric perspective to their work of resourcing congregations, especially those of African descent.  CBCM's five-year goals include sponsoring a study trip to Africa, helping congregations and seminaries acknowledge and affirm the broad spectrum of Christian education in African American congregations, and conducting Christian education events in each city where it meets that includes data gathering and networking.

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