Our call to Prayer
A few weeks past, I shared at a Lenten supper on the importance of prayer. It is a unique function of the church – we are a praying people, both corporately and as individuals. We exist as a church through prayer and for the purpose of prayer. Prayer is our right and privilege, because through the death and resurrection of Jesus we can “approach the throne of grace with boldness . . . so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16). Prayer is also our responsibility. The apostle Paul, in 1 Timothy 2:1 gives us a challenge: “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone.” Notice that we should be praying for everyone. In our time, it has become almost trite to talk about “thoughts and prayers,” yet this is what we as a church and as individual Christians are called to do.
I frequently depart from the Book of Common Prayer forms for the Sunday Prayers of the People and draft my own intercessions. I often take note of things on the calendar and incorporate them into the prayers. For example, Teacher Appreciation Week is May 2-6, so this Sunday I have included a petition for teachers. Likewise, this is Military Appreciation Month so intercessions for the military will appear every week.
I enjoy writing intercessions like these, but remember, these are the prayers of the people. So, I would love to hear from you, the people. What is on your mind, on your heart? For whom should we be praying? I plan to form a small team to help me in this endeavor; let me know if you would like to assist.
Let us fulfill our baptismal calling and “pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication” (Eph 6:18).
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Note: Rev. Jerry will be out of the office next week Mon - Wed, May 2-4, attending Clergy Conference. Please contact Rev. Celeste for any pastoral emergencies 310 913 1069.
