Praying for Harmonious Work

²²One day Jesus got into a boat with His disciples, and He said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they put out, ²³and while they were sailing He fell asleep. A windstorm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. ²⁴They went to Him and woke Him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And He woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm. ²⁵He said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were afraid and amazed, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?” —Luke 8:22-25 (NRSV)

The past few years have been a challenging time to be the Church of Jesus Christ.  Amid growing financial anxiety, church leaders everywhere have endeavored to maintain the structures, programs and staffing levels that worked for the church decades ago when resources were more plentiful.

This past week, the Official Board accepted the excellent report of our Nominating Committee, chaired by Dr. Cross, which nominated officers, Ministry Team Chairs and other leaders for the new program year, beginning July 1.  These leaders await election by the congregation on June 3 at the Congregational Meeting.  I urge you, whether you are a leader or a follower (or sometimes one and sometimes the other!) to use this time to pray for all our leaders.  In such a time as this, it is as imperative that we put our lives, and the lives of our leaders, in the hands of the One who calmed the sea, and who can calm our anxiety and move us to offer our praise.  A great prayer to use in this process is this prayer for installed officers, adapted from “Installation of Officers,” in the resource book, Chalice Worship:

Almighty God, we rejoice that you have called us to be your people in this time and place.  Help us to fulfill the mission to which you call us as we seek to know what faithfulness requires of us.  Strengthen the resolves that have been made within our congregation.  Uphold your leaders with hope and encouragement that they may endure every frustrating difficulty.  Fill this congregation with your loving Spirit that each person may work together harmoniously so that all members may work together for the common good and to your glory.  We pray in Christ’s name.  Amen.

Imagine if twenty, thirty or even fifty people committed to pray this prayer daily!  I wonder…if God will do something in each of us, and in all of us together, just because we have prayed this prayer of intercession for our leaders.  Actually, I know God is already doing it, even as we consider this request.

I look forward to greeting you at the church door or wherever we gather to engage in ministry together,

Pastor Paul