“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:9-13
This past week, I had the joy of joining several high school students at my daughter’s school for “See You at the Pole.” It was a cool, breezy morning as the students gathered in front of the school with the purpose of praying for each other, their school, and their community. It was a wonderful site to see.
As we gathered around the flagpole, we read from the book of Romans. It was the verse that had been chosen by the national “See You at the Pole” ministry. In this verse, the Apostle Paul encourages the church to be, “faithful in prayer.” Paul’s hope was to teach the young church how to live a life that reflects the love and grace found in Jesus, one of the key practices to live out the life of faith.
As we stood around the flagpole, I joined with these young teens as they lived out the Apostle Paul’s teaching to pray. They prayed boldly for their friends, their school, and their community. I was inspired and I wanted to share with you the encouragement I received. Like these students, who organized themselves to gather and pray, we too can pray. Few things make a greater difference.
Let us take time today to pray. Pray for a friend, a family member, a neighbor. Take time today to pray for your work, or your school. Pray for your church. Take time to pray. When we pray, we connect with God. When we pray, we invite God to be present in our lives and the lives of others. When we pray, God listens, and God cares for us. Today, let us take time to pray.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
