e-vo for week of May 5

Dearest e-votees-

The first Thursday of the month of May is designated in the U.S. as the National Day of Prayer (see http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/National_Day_of_Prayer if you want a history of how this day came to be).

It seems fitting this week to diverge from the Revised Common Lectionary to take a few moments to reflect on prayer (it might be a good week to take a few extra moments in prayer as well).

Peace,
Karl

__________

pray without ceasing

1 Thessalonians 5:17, NRSV

It isn’t so often that the citation is longer than the verse. It is so simple to say. As with many things that are easy to say, the living out is so much more challenging.

When many people think of prayer they think of bowed heads and eyes closed. If this is your model of prayer you will have a hard time praying without ceasing. And you will be especially hazardous on the road if you pray behind the wheel.

When many people think of prayer they think of reciting petitions by rote or by working through a set of prayers with mnemonic devices (beads, bells, incense, etc.). If this is your model of prayer you will have a hard time praying without ceasing. And you will be especially distracted and distracting as people try to engage you in everyday conversation.

When many people think of prayer they think of reading devotional writings and scriptures with great focus and purpose. If this is your model of prayer you will have a hard time praying without ceasing. And you will be especially annoying to those trying to sleep while you have the light on and speak the holy words.

Of course all of these forms of prayer have validity and have their place. They are not, however, the essence of prayer. And they are not what we are called to do without ceasing.

We are called to be in a place and a posture of prayer wherever we find ourselves. That is praying without ceasing.

When ambulances tear by us with sirens blaring and lights flashing we can offer a prayer of safety and healing for all involved. When we engage others in confrontation and conflict we can pray “Dear Lord, help me see Your image in this one and help them to see it in me.” When we eat we can pray “Thank You for this daily bread.” When we work we can pray “help me honor and glorify You in all I do.” We need not consciously think these things or mouth them with our lips. We are just invited to dwell, to linger, to abide (a good John word) in the places of prayer. When we drowse and when we wake. We are at times of birth and dawn and when we are at the brink of night and death.

May all of us be steeped in prayer this day. Whatever we do, whatever we face, whoever we encounter—may they all be bathed in prayers. Prayers of thanksgiving and prayers of petition. Eloquent or fumbled it matters not. Sure and certain or more halting it matters not. Rote or free flowing it matters not. What matters is that we pray.


God, stir us ever more and more to pray without ceasing. Amen.