The bishops of the Episcopal Church will meet in New Orleans September 20-25. The spin on the upcoming meeting began almost before their previous meeting ended. This week I would not trade places with my bishop for anything! Recently, among other things, the bishops have been asked to "hold the line" and told to "be a man." Stone throwing has abounded on ALL sides by people in ALL the ministries of the church--laity, deacons, priests, and bishops. Predictions, threats, and spin, spin, spin are crescendoing toward next Thursday.
Here is a radical concept. What if we all just prayed for them between now and the time they gather in New Orleans? Prayers of support; prayers without an agenda, predictions, or spin. What if we just prayed?
So, from today through their meeting, I will be praying for the bishops of the Episcopal Church. I invite you all to do the same.
For all the chosen bishops in your Church, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
That he may faithfully fulfill the duties of this ministry, build up your Church, and glorify your Name, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
That by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit he may be sustained and encouraged to persevere to the end, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For his family, the members of his household, and his community, that they may be adorned with all Christian virtues, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
--From the Litany for Ordination, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 549.
Peace,
Jeffri
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