Called to Live the Mission Prayer
Kerry Richards of Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises….
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands;
let the hills sing together for joy
at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity. -Psalm 98:4, 7-9
I strive to live out the Mission Prayer. It is a journey of discernment in being present to the Spirit. It is a mind-expanding awakening to the eye-opening vision the Spirit nurtures within “poised” minds.
In the last three decades, exponential changes have cascaded into every dimension of our lives. Numerous brand-name, innovation-resistant companies that continued to do what they had always done disappeared from the global marketplace. Human interactions transitioned from next-door neighborliness to global networks of meaningful on-line personal relationships.
Rethinking what it means to be Community of Christ in an accelerating life-scape of change is the blessing of the Mission Prayer. Ever poised to be nudged by the Spirit, we are prompted to envision new, relevant expressions of our faith community to our multi-faceted world, a world that must be served differently today by the institutions of religion.
We are a faith community in transition. We have opened doors to inclusive, worth-affirming values. We have been authentic toward our historical journey as a people. Our collective consciousness of the prophetic experience has expanded to include each of us as participants in inspired “envisionment.” God is blessing us with abundant opportunities in a sacred community poised to be and act.
In this calling to interpret faith into the language, culture, and context of our transitioning neighbors, may we be courageous to try something new and become that age-old blessing of peace and love wrapped in a transformed cloak of invitation and grace.
Community of Christ lives for today…in this moment…in you. Listen to the Spirit’s leadings. Respond with courage. Do not be defenders of yesterday’s models, now ineffectual, untrusted, and irrelevant. Let the Spirit breathe. Let your minds be open to innovation. May the prophetic emerge within a people of utmost humility to answer the call of inspired creativity. God, where will your Spirit lead today!!!
Prayer Phrase
“…all things in God and God in all things” (Mechthild of Magdeburg).
Spiritual Practice
Reflecting on Presence
Breathe deeply and become present to the Presence with you here and now. Take a few moments in the silence to reflect prayerfully on the following questions:
Where have you been aware of God’s presence in your life?
What is God’s invitation to you in this story?
How do you desire to be more open to God’s presence and invitation tomorrow?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
