Pastor Mark’s Reflection on Prayers and Praises

Every Sunday during service I invite people to share praises for how God is working in their lives and prayers for healing, safety etc.

So, what we examine every week is some aspect of Jesus teaching about the peace. Compassion, mercy justice, forgiveness and grace. As we reflect on our lives and in response to the invitation, it is expected that any response under the teaching of the peace is the spirit working through us.

The prayer may be for us individually, or for our family, for St. John or for the world as a whole. The prayer may be one of lament or joy. Here are some examples;

“I pray for all of the poll workers in this upcoming election that they might be safe.”

“I pray for all of the first responders to disasters that they may be kept from harm.”

“I pray for those who do not have health care and the efforts that are being made to make sure such care exists.”

“I ask prayers for my friend Grace who is fighting cancer.”

These are but a few examples but the key is if the person is expressing their faith through prayer that is a work of the Spirit. It should be treated with reverence. If, however, a prayer gives you concern please take it up with the person who shared. Ask for clarification and see if the spirit invites you into a prayer with one another.

How we process these sacred moments can do much to promote understanding and the development of community. 

Peace,

Pastor Mark