Before
God created, there was only God. Otherwise, there was a formless void,
and a thick impenetetrable darkness. However, along with that darkness,
there was movement. That movement was God’s breath, pushing and stirring
through the darkness and into the voids. Into the emptiness. That
breath powered forth the generative words of God which said, “Let there
be light.” Light. God’s first creative act. Light that penetrates,
illumines, and generates. And it is GOOD.
It
might be safe to assume that most of us experienced the events of
national turmoil from yesterday as a time of darkness…a frightening time
that threatened to jettison us into an empty void. Faith leaders all
over the country called us to prayer. Prayer is indeed essential and the
one sure way that we can join with the life-generating Light of God.
And so yes, let us indeed pray!
When
we pray, we are reminded of who God is. God is the One who was there in
the beginning. God is the One who will be there in the end. And God is
the One whose spirit moves even now through our current darkness and
into our empty voids. God’s breath pushes and stirs, even now, to
generate life. Our prayers help us to join with Him in His
Kingdom-generating voice.
Please
consider this as an invitation from your Bishop to turn off the
disturbing scenes of your television and social media and open your
Books of Common Prayer, your Bibles, and your devotional books. Make
contact with the Light of Christ and then turn and be that Light to
someone else.
O
God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent
your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those
who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find
you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all
flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen. (Collect for Mission from Morning Prayer II, Book of Common Prayer, p. 100)
O
God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in
darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties,
the grace to ask what you would have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom
may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see
light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for Guidance, Book of Common Prayer, p. 832)
O
God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be
saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might
of your Spirit lift us, we pray to your presence, where we may be still
and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for Quiet Confidence, Book of Common Prayer, p. 832)
Assist
us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and
dispose of the way of your servants towards the attainment of
everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this
mortal life, they may ever be defended by your gracious and ready help;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for Protection, Book of Common Prayer, p. 832)
