Pray Persistently - By Bishop G

Pray Persistently - By Bishop G

Pray Persistently - By Bishop G

Dear Friends,

             I heard a wonderful story about a rector who noticed that young families with small children started appearing at his church on Sunday.  The rector, Charles Youngson, tells me that as he investigated more he discovered the Daughters of the King chapter at Grace Church, Cullman, had been praying for children and families to come for over a year.  Now God’s changes are often small and slow, but for Grace Cullman, this change brought new vitality and life. 

            I’ve often been guilty of saying to small groups, that I think we should pray persistently for more people to come to our wonderful churches.  But I’ve been reluctant to say it boldly.   I’m inspired by the faith of these Daughters of the King who didn’t hesitate to pray for what looked like a miracle.

            I remember, a priest named Bill Yon used to say, “you can tell God what you want, like an adult child would tell his parent what she wanted.  God can take it,” Bill said.   So, I invite you to join me in praying for more people to come to our wonderful churches!   I’ve actually been doing it for several months now and there’s a real freedom in naming my deep desire to see more and more people hear the Gospel.  There is a deeper freedom in sharing my deep desire with my Heavenly Father. 

            As we celebrate this July 4th, a holiday dedicated to freedom, may we remember to give thanks for the freedom that comes from the love of God, so graciously given to us in Jesus Christ.  May we remember those who are not free and pray for their liberation.  May we give thanks that God’s superabundant grace continues to surround us, inspire us, heal us, calling us to follow.  May God bless the prayer warriors in our midst who inspire us to pray freely and persistently, trusting God will answer.  

            A prayer for our Nation:

Lord God Almighty, you have made all the people of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace; Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen. (BCP p. 258)