In her latest connections video, Bishop Ward encourages us to pray for wisdom and unity in the days ahead, and everyone involved with Pilgrimage this weekend.
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ who is the Savior of the world.
Today is Election Day in the United States, and we pray to God, the God of all the nations, that leaders will be raised up and chosen to lead in our local communities, in our state, and in our nation.
We give thanks for the Holy Spirit surrounding us, and we pray for wisdom and unity in days ahead. As we of diverse opinion move forward in our lives together, we pray for God’s abiding Spirit so that we might make decisions together well, so that our communities might become even more gentle and more welcoming for all people. That abundant life may be God’s full gift, and we pray that The United Methodist Church will be a witness in the midst of all that is emerging through God’s almighty hand.
As we look toward the end of this week, we give thanks for the glorious celebration that is Pilgrimage. Thousands of young people will gather in Fayetteville for a wonderful weekend of worship, of connecting with one another, and of being inspired to be God’s salt and light out into all the world.
We pray for each young person who will be present, for the adults who are their counselors and spiritual guides who are with them and we pray for the speakers and the musicians who will lead this wonderful event.
In all these things may Christ be with us in this week. Indeed this is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.