Last Night at BSM

December 7, 2015

Last night, our Pastoral Associate for Enfolding, Julia Watkins brought us a word from Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 3:1-6, entitled: “Turn Around, Follow Jesus.” Repentance isn’t a one shot deal, but it must happen over and over again. In the Luke passage, John the Baptist tells the people to repent; to change the way they’re living. John is telling the people to turn away from oppression, violence and injustice. Repentance then is about our actions; how we choose to use our time and resources. The good news is that we are not facing a directionless path when we turn around, but rather we are following the path Jesus has set for us. You can listen here.

John Francis and the Amen Corner led us in: Just As I Am, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, I Saw the Light, and Canticle of the Turning.

Our community also offered the following prayers:

Dear Father, help me sing your good news through the ways I walk and work in the world. Help me be disciplined and use my gifts to create sustainability partnerships for BSM. Please bless ***** and my relationship—help us look to you for help when we need it. Enter our life together and make our love pleasing to you. All my love, ****.

 

Please pray for my daughter ***** that she may experience joy and serenity in her life. For ****** as she deals with brain cancer and her mortality.

 

Thank you for all your prayers for my nearly concluded job search. I received a verbal offer this past Friday from and edu software company I’ve known for years. Pray for upcoming delicate conversations finalizing my employment. Many thank for the unwavering support of my wife ******, our 2 beautiful children, extended family and friends old and new during this “desert wilderness” time of unemployment.

 

My dad, ***** (who is 86) had some cancer indication appear in blood work last week. Waiting for additional test results this coming week. Please pray for his peace of mind and heart.

 

I pray for help with anxiety and to get beyond the struggles of the past.

 

I pray that I and others may not forget or ignore the quiet voice of God amidst this busy season. I also pray that my brother finishes his semester strong during finals week!

 

Prayer for my roommates that they could know power and healing and rest. Prayer that we may be moved to action and not be content with simply offering prayer.

 

I pray for time to wait and for something to wait for. I pray for our new roommate, whoever that turns out to be. I give thanks for the people who care about me and I pray to be able to care for them. I pray for clarity as the year turns over.

 

Please be with those struggling right now: ****, ****, *****, ******.

 

Prayer for discernment in dealing with terrorism.

 

For a PA budget, already! For legislators to stop pawing to the powerful ($) interests and do what just re: gun restrictions. For refugees. seeking safety. For **** and Miss **** and *****. For all others who need healing of any kind.

 

I’m grateful for being supported and loved—in when I’ve most needed it. I pray to be able to give those gifts to others who need them. Lord, make manifest your peace and justice in this community and this world. Amen.

 

Help me to let go and to now that no matter how fast I ran, no matter how hard I work no matter how I resist it’s gonna be your will not mine. Amen.

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.