Last Night at BSM

November 30, 2015

Last night, Rev. Sammie Evans brought us a word from, Luke 21:25-36 and Jeremiah 33:14-16 entitled, “Overcoming Despair.” When we believe something it seeps down into our deepest self and transforms us. Because this is not easy work we must believe that God is our righteousness. This doesn’t come from us, but from God. This belief saves us from despair. Just as when Israel broke God’s covenant with them, God didn’t give up on them, God also doesn’t give up on us. This gives us hope in the midst of despair. In this season of Advent our despair is replaced with hope. Hope that even as we work toward transformation God is our righteousness. Moving from hope to despair gives us the ability to participate in the work of the Kingdom of God. You can listen here.

Tony and the Motley Order led us in: Oh Give Thanks, Wade in the Water, It is Well With My Soul, and Bridge Over Troubled Water.

Our community also offered the following prayers:

Prayer for ***** being confused.

 

So much gratitude fills my heart, not due to external circumstances, but because God’s love always prevails.

 

For my sister to find peace of mind and heart and to begin to heal and strengthen—for her children to find goodness with their lives. To be happy and safe.

 

Prayers for France and Belgium in grief and under raid. Prayers for refugees looking for place to be during this time of fear and complications around border-crossing.

 

Please pray for my sister and brother as we remember our mother’s death, one year ago. Please pray my sons as they find their place in the world.

 

Lord, struggling to know “what next?” but feeling like I will sink if I stay where I am. Feeling the weight of learning to “share” my child, the weight of a job that seems to lead no where, and the weight of longing to plant roots but not knowing how or where. I went to walk in Hope, to be light, to heal.

 

****** is really struggling with adjusting to new family and living situations. Please pray for peace and love to be felt in abundance by him. Also pray for me as I learn to navigate these new waters.

 

Prayer for Syrian peace, good governance and world peace.

 

I need to keep some damn perspective.

 

Dear God, fill those who hate with your live, bring justice to all. Bring peace to the world. Amen.

 

Thank you for loving me. For calling me. For inspiring me.

 

Amen! much to be thankful for today! Please be with ***** this week and give her the courage and strength she needs to overcome what is ahead. Help ****** be the man you have created him to be. Please be with ****** and keep him safe.

 

Post-Thanksgiving: Prayers for division among family. Healing for hurting relationships, resentment and anger. Prayers for victims of gun violence.

 

Finishing my resume to apply for a better paying job that gives me purpose.

 

For BSM; for Amigos de Jesus; for peace and kindness in Philly; for the new mayor; for my family; for the day and the coming week! For all who chose to be at the table and don’t.

 

God, take care of *****, free him from his haunted mind, meet him more than halfway and give him rest. Watch over your Muslim witnesses, exhort Christians to stand with our brothers and sisters as children of God. Give me faith God, give me doubt; help my unbelief. Help my certainty. Thank you.

Broad Street Ministry is a broad-minded faith community committed to extending radical hospitality and creating a spiritual home for all, especially those who feel like they don’t belong anywhere else. For more information click here.