CENTERED IN COMMUNITY
“Go where your best prayers take you.” – Frederick Buechner
My husband and I have four children – all with their own unique abilities and talents. There’s the great negotiator. The adventure-seeker. The strategic planner. The artist. Each of them capable of great things, but also wholly at risk of becoming consumed by their own interests, distractions, and perspectives. They have learned to use their strengths to master challenges, enjoy relative success, and realize great possibilities. But you know what? It’s when they find collective energy and commitment to a shared belief and vision that they become seemingly boundless and unstoppable.
I think the same can be said of the body of Christ. We are all God’s children with distinct talents and gifts. We are all susceptible to limiting our worldview to our own interests, distractions, and perspectives. But we are also capable of great renewal, grace, compassion, and love; especially when we lean into each other and our Savior.
Imagine if we re-centered ourselves in community with one another and God. If we earnestly called on the Holy Spirit and listened carefully and openly to what God’s up to so that we might renew our collective energy and commitment to grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ here and now in this place with the Spirit as our guide. I invite you to embark on a Lenten journey leading us where our best prayers take us.
In “A Prayer for the Church”, Rev. Emily Swan prays that God will “kindle a global revival of empathy, justice, and active peacemaking. Birth a witness of Love that is bigger and better than 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 an 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 [of] 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 to rest when we need rest. Enable us to see you in each person we encounter. Show us mercy, in our humanity.”
She continues, “Spirit of Jesus … 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 … Amen.”