St. Paul’s Cycle of Prayer – Wednesday – Paul’s Place after school program and the St. Paul’s Day School
(click Prayer Instructions for links to Morning or Evening Prayer for today)
I was so touched this morning in my prayer time, thinking of Mary and Martha (whose feast day is today) and their brother, Lazarus. I don’t know about you, but I rarely think of Jesus having BFFs – but surely these three were that for him. Their home in Bethany was a source of rest and preparation. Being situated on the other side of the Mt. of Olives can’t you see Jesus and his gang hanging out there before heading over the hill to Jerusalem, where he faced the cross? Mary and Martha and their various roles have often been discussed, but today I was just thinking of their friendship, of how Jesus wept when he heard of Lazarus’ death, even knowing he would raise Lazarus.
In ministry, no matter if you are ordained or not, the importance of friendships cannot be under emphasized. It can be a very lonely vocation. I think in a lot of ways that may be the hardest part of being a clergy person. It is difficult to have true friendship with parishioners (and I have been deeply wounded when I ventured down that road), and although most of my friends are also clergy, our busy lives and conflicting schedules make finding time for each other so difficult. It’s one main reason I love going to General Convention, for there I get to catch up with a lot of friends and spend some time with them.
Today I want to encourage you to pray for all leaders in ministry and for good friends to help them along the path God has chosen for them.
St. Paul’s Cycle of Prayer – Tuesday – Seekers and other Young Adults, those in our community who are unchurched, our community and those in need, especially Family Promise and CROS ministries
(click Prayer Instructions for links to Morning or Evening Prayer for today)
4 A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. 15 When she and her household were baptized
This portion of Acts chapter 16, appointed for today, is a great reminder of two aspects of evangelism (there, I said the “E” word!). Lydia was listening. Which means someone was talking, explaining, teaching about Jesus. So we need a preacher. But the preacher cannot allow himself or herself to think this is all about them! The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly. And then…all her household is baptized.
We all can preach the gospel. Let us always begin so with prayer, asking God to open hearts of those who will hear and see.
St. Paul’s Cycle of Prayer – Monday – Children, youth, and family ministries of St. Paul’s and those who teach and work with our youth. Our music program and choirs.
(click Prayer Instructions for links to Morning or Evening Prayer for today)
Today is the feast day of WR Huntingdon, Episcopal priest, who died in 1909. Huntingdon was a major force in the church in his day, called for and participated in the revision of the prayer book that resulted in the 1892 BCP (and for real church geeks, he was a primary author of the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral. It’s in the small print section of your prayer book under “Historical Documents”. It’s the part I catch you reading when I am preaching….). This prayer was authored by him, we use it during Holy Week and on Fridays for the Daily Office:
Almighty God, whose dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
The way of the cross – the way of life and peace. Can be a tough “way” at times, but it is the way, the truth, the life. May God be with you on your journey along the way.
Sunday – Clergy, Staff, Wardens and Vestry and the Rector Search (click HERE to read the Rector Search prayer)
From Romans 12, appointed for today, this reminder of how we, the followers of Christ, are to treat our enemies.
“if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Let us pray for peace in our local communities, our nation, and the world. And to remember these words.
Saturday – for the Green Team and for all Creation, for our ministries to Seniors, and for all on our Parish prayer list.
I love the collect for Saturday, as we prepare for worship on Sunday. Our worship on the morrow give you glory. And that includes our worship on Saturday evening, as is the case here at St. Paul’s. May our worship give God glory. Isn’t that what it’s all supposed to be about?
A Collect for SaturdaysO God, the source of eternal light: Shed forth your unending day upon us who watch for you, that our lips may praise you, our lives may bless you, and our worship on the morrow give you glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Itinerant: noun. a person who alternates between working and wandering.
