Prayer & Praise, People & Place

“Prayer is not thinking. To the thinker, God is an object; to the man who prays, He is the subject. Awaking in the presence of God, we strive not to acquire an objective knowledge, but to deepen the mutual allegiance of man and God.”  - Abraham Joshua Heschel

I came across the above quote this morning (written at a time before gender inclusive language was the norm). It reminded me of a deep desire for our community and even the physical space at 8140 Exchange Dr. That we would be people of prayer, and that the building we occupy would be place of prayer. The quote articulates the underlying desire, that we would be a people whose shared allegiance with God (Immanuel, God with us, revealed in Jesus) is ever deepening. With Him we share the transforming friendship, and He’s the one we live to praise. 

On Wednesday of this week, a group of us gathered at the property to pray; at the same time some of us prayer walked the St. John’s neighborhood. In the weeks and months ahead, there will be further opportunities. In the mean time, let us be a people who are daily, weekly, and without ceasing, deepening our mutual allegiance with our Triune God. 

The terrible violence in Israel and Gaza this past week has provide ample opportunity for prayer. The Telos Group, whose Executive Director and co-founder, is an Anglican connected with the Matthew 25 Initiative, has some good resources for context around all that is taking place. I don’t know enough about all that they do, but what I have seen has been informative and provided helpful language for prayer. Lord, have mercy. Please also pray for the Matthew 25 Gathering, it’s an exciting work in our province! 

A quick note, this Sunday is the deadline to register for the Parish Retreat. Be sure to join us! That day will be full of prayer, praise, learning, good food (including sno cones!), and play! 

Praying and praising with you,

Peter+