Archive for the ‘Prayer’ Tag
During COVID-10 Confinement: by Allan Baker
In this time of COVID confinement
when we are all in this together
as children of a loving God;
we are showing each other
that the power of love
is everywhere on Planet Earth.
Love is pervasive, and invasive.
Love is strong, patient, and kind;
not insisting on its own way
but accepting that there are many pathways through life.
So, as we long to return to “normal”
we are learning to give, and to receive;
sharing love and kindness; friendship and connection,
and learning to use these life-giving gifts
to affirm the goodness of people, and of creation.
May it continue to be so.
Last week I was at a Benedictine retreat centre on Vancouver Island, for a week of prayer. Among several concerns, I held in my heart the people of Palestine and Israel, praying for an end to violence, for the willingness of all parties to come to the table to talk peace and justice.
The centre (strangely enough, called “Bethlehem”) has no WiFi, which makes sense when one is trying to be in silence and to listen carefully to the whispering of the Spirit. But it is also a challenge when you worry that the bombs and rockets continue to explode over Gaza and Israel. I kept wondering what was happening.
Now I am back in the “real” world. The violence increases, day by day, and hundreds of people have died. Real people, not statistics. People who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time… though is there any “right place” in Gaza? Or ever enough bomb shelters in Israel? Ordinary men, women, and children… children!… dead, because of a war that seems to never end.
And I want to cry out, “STOP! Stop this killing; stop the invasion; stop the rockets.”
I want to cry out to Israel, “Why are you doing this? Yes, you have every right to demand security; to live without fear of teenagers being kidnapped and killed, of rockets falling on your cities. But do you really think this invasion, so overwhelming and destructive, so disproportionate, will bring peace and security? Do you not understand that non-combatants, civilians, real people, simply trying to live ordinary, everyday lives are being killed? And that this war is creating reservoirs of rage that will fuel nightmares of revenge?”
I want to cry out to the leaders of Hamas, “Why are you doing this? Do you really think that sending endless rockets into Israel and killing non-combatants, civilians, real people, simply trying to live ordinary lives, will bring peace to the people of Gaza?”
I want to cry out to the leaders of Israel, “Stop the occupation! Stop the blockade of Gaza! Dismantle the settlements. The West Bank is not your land, there for the taking. Yes, you need a country; but so do the Palestinians. And unless you discover how two peoples can live side by side then you will continue to bring destruction down on everyone. Why will you not recognize the right of Palestine to exist within internationally recognized borders?”
And I want to cry out to the leaders of Hamas, “Change your constitution and your rhetoric – endlessly calling out for the destruction of Israel is an act of violence, and will only create a fierce reaction, rooted in fear and anger. Why will you not recognize the right of Israel to exist within internationally recognized borders?”
I want to cry out to the international community, “All states and leaders should be equally subject to the requirements of international law, without exception, including Israel and Palestine. Why can you not be even-handed and consistent for the sake of justice?”
I want to cry out to my own government, “Stop being so one-sided in your assessment of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. It’s far too simplistic to publicly blame only one side for all that has gone wrong; instead, recognize the complexity of what is happening. Seek justice; work for peace.”
And I want to cry out to all the people who watch the news and either do nothing or point fingers at those whose opinions they disagree with. Enough. The world needs you to take a stand for peace and justice, to recognize that fellow human beings – both Israeli and Palestinian – are suffering. We must all do what we can – however simple – to end this cycle of violence.
Why do I cry out?
Because I dream of Israelis and Palestinians sitting down to engage in serious negotiations, not engaging in blame games, not trying to win a public relations and propaganda war, but seriously taking concrete steps towards a peaceful and just end of the conflicts that have ripped this land apart for so many years, so that ordinary people, on all sides of every border, will be free to work and laugh and cry, to build homes and families, and to know the great gift of peace.
What effect can my words have? Probably nothing – but silence is not an option when the bombs and rockets are falling, when innocent people are being killed. And so I cry out; and I continue to pray.
[Photos: #1): A doll lies on the rubble of a destroyed building on July 11, 2014, following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City. Photo by Marco Bottelli. Copyright Demotix. #2):”Iron Dome in Operation Protective Edge” by Israel Defense Forces, (CC BY 2.0).]
This article was originally published at: http://www.garypaterson.ca/2014/07/23/stop/
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July 12, 2013
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I have hesitated to say anything about the tragedy in Lac-Mégantic – those who have died, or who are presumed dead; those whose lives are devastated by loss – family, friends, homes, businesses, a community. Sometimes we can only stand silent in the face of such pain and sadness.
And yet, over the week I have discovered once again that it helps to pray…as a way of being vulnerable myself to the tragedy of what has happened; to become open to the ache, the tears, the bewilderment, the anger, the horror. I can choose through prayer to be connected with the people of Lac-Mégantic, to carry with them, in some very small way, the grief they are experiencing; to be in solidarity with their pain. I can choose not to avoid, and move on to the next news story, but rather, to remember, to feel; to keep praying…not asking for God to “do” anything – but rather, simply to lift the people of this town into the heart of the Holy. (See “A Prayer for Lac-Mégantic.”)
Photo from the National Post
I am living this week with the story of the Good Samaritan, the gospel lesson for July 14, where Jesus challenges us to love our neighbour in concrete, practical ways. I keep asking myself, what does that mean in the context of this tragedy? Financial gifts? Perhaps. Letters to government, encouraging and commending them to use our tax dollars generously? Possibly. To somehow let the residents of Lac-Mégantic know we are thinking of them, and that we will be in solidarity with them as they move into whatever the future holds.
Maybe being a neighbour means looking at larger issues…transportation of oil; environmental concerns; safety regulations; transportation routes. What doesn’t help, it seems to me, is a “blame game,” with various politicians or business leaders trying to score points, even if it turns out one or some individuals were negligent. The questions are bigger and more important than that, more systemic; and so are the changes that will help us avoid similar tragedies.
There is something so senseless in such a tragedy. I find myself reflecting on the stories of how arbitrary survival can be…one person goes home early from the bar – and lives; another person stays on – and dies. No explanations; no higher purpose. How do we humans live in such a world, both beautiful and tragic? How do we discover the presence of God in such events as these? And, how do we hold to our faith in such a way that there is nothing which can separate us from the love of God? Which brings me back to both silence and prayer; and the people of Lac-Mégantic.
Gary Paterson is the Moderator of the United Church of Canada
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What to DO in Lent 2013?
Is this a season to go deeper and to reflect on updating one’s theology?
Barbara Brown Taylor, in her book, An Altar in the World, writes about how human beings experience self-worth in North American societies in the 21st century*:
“being busy is how our culture measures worth.”
I sometimes feel, when I wake in the morning, like someone has turned on a treadmill beside my bed – and I’m already behind. My Agenda for the day is full; I have e-mail messages already unanswered; and there are places to go and people to meet with. There is so much to DO!
Is all of this “busyness” serving as a distraction from what really matters?
Whatever happened to the ages-old wisdom of setting aside time for Sabbath?
If I’m updating my theology in Lent, maybe there is wisdom in slowing down, and taking time to reflect on what all of this really means.
Where is God in my life?
What is my relationship with God?
According to Barbara Brown Taylor:
“When you live in God, your day begins when you lose yourself long enough for God to find you, and when God finds you, to lose yourself again in praise.”**
* page 123
**page 140
What is one to DO in Lent?
Is this a season to go deeper and to reflect on updating one’s theology?
In worship on Sunday morning we sang a hymn that had several names for God – rather than the name “Father”. One line of the hymn* began with the words,
“Divine Eternal Lover …”
At the time, this spoke to my heart.
God is Divine!
God is Eternal.
God is the ultimate Love!
The hymn also offers;
“Together we are seeking the road where faith is found.”
I know that, for many, the debate about “inclusive language” has been over for years. It is history. These folks have “moved on”. In our church we have been singing that wonderful 1986 hymn by Brian Wren called, “Bring Many Names”. Other faith traditions also have a variety of names for the Holy Mystery.
Updating my theology, if I am to walk the talk, means that I need to use many different metaphors for addressing my prayers to God. That is taking a step further along the road where faith is found, no?
* Bless Now, O God, the Journey. A hymn in Voices United, #633
“He set his face to go to Jerusalem.”
Luke 9: 53 (NRSV)
What is one to DO in Lent?
On this 2013 journey through Lent I have been asking questions about updating one’s theology. What would that mean?
Rev. Joan Silcox-Smith has written one of the daily Lenten Reflections that I’m reading in a book called, “Diving Deeply”. Joan’s reflection for Day Ten is on the scripture that is quoted at the beginning of today’s blogpost. She raises the question of whether Jesus knew what the consequences might be when he, “set his face to go to Jerusalem?”
Do I have the courage to gather up my fortitude and begin the journey of updating my theology?
Do I continue to read re-affirming words of authors whose thoughts comfort me, or do I read those whose words I find challenging?
As with Jesus, the journey will bring consequences. Personal growth always has, in my experience.
I can only offer a prayer for the journey:
Ever-present Spirit,
you are always with us;
through every deep valley, and on every mountaintop.
Help me feel your Holy Presence,
that I might be guided in Your Way;
the Way of love and justice. Amen.
This week I was a part of a group that began our time together by reflecting on the following poem by Joyce Rupp – it is published in her book, “Fragments of your Ancient Name”.
For people of a variety of faith traditions, it is in God where we experience true love. God’s love is a love that is beyond human understanding.
However, in this poem Joyce Rupp attempts to bridge our limited human understanding of love, and God’s love that has a depth that is so far beyond our imagination.
Even in the midst of winter snow, there is a love waiting for us to return.
Unconditional Love –
A poem by Joyce Rupp
You are Love like no other.
Love so large you contain our smallness.
Love so deep you accept our shallowness.
Love so strong you carry our weakness.
Love so wide you enclose our wandering.
Love so tender you experience our hurting.
Love so tolerable you outlive our apathy.
Love so ardent you thaw our coldness.
Love so true you endure our betrayals.
Love so patient you wait for our returning.
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“Pray always and do not lose heart”
This morning I received the following message from KAIROS, an organization that is supported by the congregation of Newtonbrook United Church and the United Church of Canada.
Dear KAIROS Companions and Communities,
Please find below a special reflection by KAIROS CompanionEsther Epp-Tiessen on the power of prayer and perseverance. We hope that you enjoy it as much as we did.
In peace,
Caroline
“Pray always and do not lose heart”
In Luke 18:1-8 we read Jesus’ parable about a judge and a widow. The widow has suffered some injustice, and so she goes to the judge to seek redress. The judge is not a God-fearing man and has little respect for others, so he refuses her. But the widow is persistent and returns to him, again and again, asking for justice. Finally, the judge gives in and grants her request, not because he is compassionate, but to stop her from pestering him. Jesus’ interpretation of the story is – if such an unmerciful judge will eventually grant justice, how much more so will God grant justice to those who call on him.
Jesus’ parable about the persistent widow has much to teach those of us engaged in the work of public justice and advocacy.
1. Jesus’ parable teaches that it is good and right to seek justice where injustice has been committed. Scripture insists that God is a God of justice; God longs to offer justice to the victims of injustice. As God’s people, we are called to be about the work of justice too.
2. The parable demonstrates that seeking justice is ultimately about people. The focus of the parable is not the injustice committed – we do not even know what wrong was done. The focus is on the widow, a particularly vulnerable person in her society. Justice-making is not about an abstract concept or theory, or even the latest burning issue. Recently, I helped to organize a seminar on global justice with university students from across Canada. We talked at length about many troubling issues. Later on, one student reflected that the most significant experience of the seminar was not the presentations and discussions, but sharing lunch with a destitute man that he met on the street. Jesus’ parable reminds us that our advocacy for justice must be rooted in relationships with real people who are hurting.
3. The parable calls justice-seekers to persistence. When I think of the persistence of the widow, I am reminded of a U.S. colleague of mine, Titus Peachey. Thirty years ago Titus and his partner Linda were serving with MCC in Laos. They learned of the millions of cluster bombs dropped by U.S. bombers on Laos in the 1970s, and how the bombie fragments continued to kill and harm the Lao people years later. Titus made cluster bombs his cause and began to work doggedly and persistently with others to eradicate cluster bombs. In 2008 an international cluster bomb convention was signed and in 2010 it came into force. The work is not over – right now Titus is working to get the U.S. to sign on to the convention. But much has been accomplished through the persistence of folks like Titus.
4. The parable invites justice-seekers to humility and confession. I suspect that, if we could place ourselves into the story, most of us would like to become advocates for the widow. But I think at times we are more like the uncaring judge. Perhaps because our lives are so removed from the poor, we have lost true compassion for those who suffer. Perhaps because we think we know what justice looks like, we forget to listen to others. Perhaps because we are complicit in systems that oppress some people while enriching others, we are more of the problem than the solution. The parable invites us to self-reflection, to humility and to confession.
5. The parable reminds us to pray always and not lose heart. Seeking justice is a daunting task. The inequities of our world are so staggering and the structures of oppression so entrenched, that true change seems impossible. We grow weary, we lose heart and we are tempted to give up. A woman in a displaced persons camp in eastern Congo recently said to a colleague of mine, “We are weeping tears. We are afraid the church will get tired of helping us.”
In such a context Jesus reminds us to pray. When we live prayerfully we become centred on God, and we are reminded that justice-making is not about us but about God’s own persistent patient way of redemption. As God’s children, we are called to seek justice and to act justly, but it is Godwho will ultimately redeem all creation. When we pray always, we learn to entrust all of life to the One who is truth, compassion, mercy and justice. When we live our lives in that prayerful spirit, we will not lose heart.
Esther Epp-Tiessen
December 2, 2010 |
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| KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives310 Dupont St., #200Toronto, ONM5R-1V9 |
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This path leads to ...... ?
The following prayer is based on Mark 1: 14 – 20
which was the Gospel reading for January 22, 2012
A Prayer for Changing Times
Life-giving God,
You touch our lives with healing and renewal;
with both death and resurrection.
Yet we live as if life and all creation were static.
Even in the midst of changing times
we cling to the familiar
and we hesitate to embrace new ways and new life;
we avoid risk,
and we fail to exercise our spiritual muscles of faith.
Help us heal our timidness;
may we remember the rewards of risk,
and we ask your forgiveness for our reluctance to respond
to the call of Jesus: “Follow me.” Amen
What is one to DO in Lent?
This week I was a part of a group that began our time together by reflecting on the following poem by Joyce Rupp – it is published in her book, “Fragments of your Ancient Name”.
allanbaker 