A call to prayer.
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Dear People of God,
We are a people of prayer. For generations, Episcopalians and Anglicans have prayed for their country, for their leaders, and for their local communities. Regardless of politics, we believe as people of faith that we are called to pray for each other, for our neighbors, for peace, and for justice. And Jesus' own life sets for us a lofty example of love in motion, a glimpse of the kingdom where no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness and no strength known but the strength of love. As Christians, we are part of building this great vision, and there is nothing that claims us more than our identity as God's beloved.
Leaning heavily on our identity as God's children, and our belief that God loves all people, I believe that God grieves our divisions deeply. And that God longs for us to realize that vision of peace and unity, a reality in which we respect the dignity of every human being. Like you, as I watch the news today, I am grieved by our differences, too. And I believe that as Christians we have work to do, love to give, hands to hold, and peace to build together with our neighbors of many political affiliations, ethnicities, races, creeds, and across many more kinds of difference.
On this day, when we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, I am especially mindful of the story of the Wisemen. Kings or sages from afar who travel to distant lands, meet different people, likely many they didn't understand and with whom they didn't agree. And they gather at the manger with many others of different stations and understandings to offer their gifts. Their eyes, and the eyes of all, are on Jesus. And in order to protect this tiny child, all that he would be, and all whom he would save (us), they leave their gifts and take another road home. May we be mindful of our gifts, of the road God calls us to take, and of that which truly unifies us: Jesus.
In response to the news of this day, our Presiding Bishop has called the Church to prayer. Please join him in these prayers here. And our Bishops, Ian and Laura, have also called us to prayer. You can read the text of their message below.
Wherever you are and however you choose to pray, remember tonight that God is with you. You are loved infinitely and held deeply by the God who created all things. If you need help or a chance to talk, please be in touch with me. Know that you are in my prayers tonight. As is our great nation. Join us and the faithful all over as we pray.
Faithfully,
--Marissa
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, page 815)
Call to Prayer by the Bishops of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut
The Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas
Bishop Diocesan
The Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens
Bishop Suffragan
Tags: Welcome from the Rector