As we are in appointment-making season, Bishop Shelton has encouraged all of us to pray for the Cabinet, clergy and their families, and congregations. We will be sharing prayers over the next few weeks and encourage you to share them with your church.
Read the next prayer in the series written by Rev. Glenn Stallsmith.
Almighty God, you have made yourself known through the teaching of the apostles and the breaking of the bread. Today you are still calling and sending disciples to preach the good news, to feed your children, and to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Each one of us in the body have received a unique measure of Christ’s gift (Ephesians 4:7). Each congregation in our connection is beautifully constituted of saints who are joined and knit together, to each other and to him who is our head (Ephesians 4:15-16).
Grant wisdom, therefore, to those in our connection who are set apart for this special work of discerning appointments. We pray that pastors may be sent to communities and congregations where they will be effective. Where differences in language and culture threaten to separate, we ask that your Spirit will intercede and break down dividing walls (Ephesians 2:14). Where differences in worldview tear at the unity of the church, send pastors who will proclaim one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:4-5).
Through him is our shepherd: Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.