The following is Rector Joe Hensley’s monthly opening message from our weekly e-newsletter the St. Georgian. If you’d like to receive our weekly e-newsletter, sign-up here.
Our theme for this month is “pray,” one of the seven steps on the Way of Love. It seems appropriate given some of the current events we have seen so far in the new year.
In early January, our nation took significant military action against Iran, and we are waiting to see whether more escalation will occur. Bushfires in Australia have been devastating and deadly. Earthquakes in Puerto Rico have left many homeless and frightened. There are more things we could name which point to a sense of living in chaotic times, and who knows what will happen before the end of this month.
At such times, I turn to the Book of Common Prayer for prayers that express my feelings sometimes better than I can express them myself. By entering into these prayers which are part of our common life, I feel part of the larger Body of Christ. The prayers section begins on page 810. You can also find the BCP online: https://www.bcponline.org/ Click on the “Prayers and Thanksgivings” tab.
Another section of the BCP which does not get much attention is the Great Litany (p. 148). This intercessory prayer covers a wide variety of conditions. There is a modern adaptation which you can find here. Some examples that apply to our current events:
“From lightning and tempest; from earthquake, fire, and flood, from plague, pestilence, and famine, good Lord, deliver us.”
“That it may please thee so to rule the hearts of thy servants, the President of the United States, and all others in authority, that they may do justice, love mercy, and walk in the ways of truth, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.”
“That it may please thee to make wars to cease in all the world; to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord; and to bestow freedom upon all peoples.”
“That it may please thee to support, help, and comfort all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation.”
We do beseech God to hear us when we pray. There are also times when, as Romans 8:26 says, “We do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.” My sense is that God is always praying in us and through us. When we pause to pray, whether with words or in silent surrender to the Spirit’s deep sighs, we are joining with the divine prayer that is never ceasing.
I will close with some words from The Supplication (BCP p. 154): “From our enemies defend us, O Christ; Graciously behold our afflictions. With pity behold the sorrows of our hearts; mercifully forgive the sins of thy people.… Graciously hear us, O Christ.”
Joe+
On June 27, 2018 St. George’s Episcopal Church will host a special evening of Yoga and Sound Healing from 7 pm – 9 pm in the church’s Nave. This is offered to the community free of charge, with donations accepted at the door.