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Father John ~ My Prayer for St. Mark’s
May 25th, 2010
Our Lord's Prayer caused me to think what my prayer is for St. Mark's. First of all I pray that you will remain centered in our Lord. That Jesus will be at the center of your hearts and your community. And I pray you will be filled with the Holy Spirit.
I pray that you will remain confident in God's love and care for you. I pray that you will believe in the health that is within you. And that you will share this health with others, like those who are coming to our cross roads ministry, your interim rector, and with your new rector. St. Mark's is one of two congregations that I have served over the years that stand out as rich blessings for me.
The first was Trinity Episcopal Church in Hamburg New York. One of the things that marked them was they would often call young ministers to serve as their rector. And being a healthy congregation, they provided an environment for the young minister to grow with the congregation. They use their health to grow the members and the ministers while serving the larger community.
St. Mark's is another standout congregation in my 28 year journey of priesthood. Though you were a bit broken when I arrived -- our Lord has restored you and for that I give thanks. I believe it was just a matter of regaining your confidence. I believe you will continue to be a congregation within the diocese of Wyoming that can provide health and growth to your members -- to your ministers -- and to the larger community.
My prayer for you is to be kind to one another; to be patient with one another. I pray you will trust God to continue to provide for you. Please pray for your vestry and search committee – daily. I pray you may believe your future will be greater than your past.
I pray for you to continue to be filled with hope and joy: biblical hope which is absolute assurance and joy that comes from being in the presence of God.
I pray that you will know your weaknesses; your vulnerabilities and tendencies so you may protect yourself from yourself.
I pray that you will be aware of any needs you have to control. I pray that you will learn to surrender everything -- especially your life and your will to the goodness of our God. I pray that your leaders will not only listen, but that they will discern the word and voice of God in the Council of others.
I pray you will grow in wisdom and not be in a rush to fill perceived needs. I pray you will seek God's timing and plan and person to lead you.
And as Jesus prayed so do I: that you will grow in unity. That you will love one another into greater growth and that you will be known by your love for one another.
Warmly, John
