I will likely write an update post soon, but for now, I wanted to post this prayer from yesterday’s daily office because I like it and I want to remember it.
Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic church.
Fill it with all truth, in all truth, with all peace.
Where it is corrupt, purify it;
Where it is in error, direct it;
Where in any thing it is amiss, reform it.
Where it is right, strengthen it;
Where it is in want, provide for it;
Where it is divided, reunite it;
For the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.
As I was pondering this on my Sunday morning walk, two pastors from the neighborhood passed me on their way to services – one the pastor of a large contemporary church, the other the pastor of a small fundamentalist church.
May the prayer above be so for both of them and their congregations, for me,
and for all of the church, wherever and however we gather.
That’s a great post. I spend more time complaining about the church than praying for it. I guess I have to change first.
David, that is what I appreciated about the prayer too – it is applicable to any and all of us, and it addresses the need for change in the body of Christ without pointing a judgmental finger at the other.
Praying for the church is so important. Thanks for reminding me. I think that I’ll copy this prayer and try to pray it regularly.
I agree Bob, and I think keeping a “catholic” perspective of the church is also important. I have prayed for you and your wife, hope you are both doing well.
Thanks for praying for us Linda. It has been a very difficult summer in Chicago. More on that at http://tinyurl.com/AnnUpdate.