Prayers for Mennonite Church USA

ambsdev on March 6, 2014

Published: March 6, 2014

Mary E. Klassen

Instead of eating lunch on Fridays, some members of the seminary community are gathering for prayers for Mennonite Church USA.

David Miller, associate professor of missional leadership development, initiated this with his own commitment to pray and fast every Friday at lunch time. As are many in Mennonite Church USA, David is troubled as he reads the "Rule of Love" and the "Transformation Letter," proposing alternative paths by Mennonite Church USA in its response to people in same gender relationships.

Some of David’s discomfort comes because he knows many of the people who have signed both letters. “These are people with whom I have served and studied; they are people who have been my students. They are people I trust and with whom I have shared at the Lord’s table,” he said.

So he has made a commitment to fast and pray during lunch time each Friday through the end of the semester. From 12:15 to 1:00 p.m., he and others who wish to join him gather in the Chapel of the Word. David has shaped this time of prayer for the church and church leaders with praise, confession and intercession, based on Scripture.

“There must be a way forward and it’s not something we can manage. We will be led by the Spirit of God, the Spirit who makes unity possible,” David said.

Others are invited to join the prayer time at 香蕉影视 and to use this guide for their own prayers.

Prayers for Mennonite Church USA as PDF file for downloading.

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Prayers for Mennonite Church USA

The prayes are divided into sections, with each section having a focus for specific petitions. Following the scripture introduction to each section you are invited to pray, silently or aloud, then respond as indicated.

Collect (in unison):

Lord Jesus Christ, before your passion, you prayed that those who believe in you might be made one by the working of your love in us. Let your love accomplish in us what you desire. Amen.

Praise to Christ who makes unity possible.

Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through [the cross]. (Ephesians 2:13-16)

Prayers