Loading...Dear Friends in Christ,
You know how much I believe in prayer. I guess in a lot of ways I have always believed in prayer ever since my parents taught me the bedtime prayer and the school taught me the prayer before lunch. Those are simple prayers, but hold so much power. There were times that I didn’t pray very much, but since being ordained I have so much to pray for.
I pray for my three parishes every day particularly for those who are sick, hurt, or are in trouble. I pray for our country. I really worry about our future as a nation. It seems we are so divided in so many ways. I pray for leadership that can heal us. I pray for our area, and I hope you do, too. So many people are out of work and there seems to be no future for them. I pray for our young people that they may do a better job of making our world a better place than we have. Of course, I pray for my family. Debbie and Allen are survivors because of the many prayers that uphold them by so many people.
Most times I don’t realize that my prayers are answered. Sometimes it is more obvious. Several years ago, I presented Stras with the idea of constructing a labyrinth in our community. The idea was received warmly, but not enthusiastically. A labyrinth is a prayer maze. It is a circular path that leads to the center. While on the path, the walker can meditate in a number of ways – prayer, a hymn, repeating a word of praise or supplication. Prayers of praise and thanksgiving are given upon reaching the middle, one can just sit and be silent.
A maze is expensive, but the main reason we didn’t pursue it was where to put it. There’s land behind the YMCA that would be a perfect spot. The nearness of the Y where people work to stay fit and they could work on being spiritually fit, too. Plus being next to the hospital would give loved ones an opportunity for prayer and meditation for a loved one who is a patient there.
I have prayed about this off and on for the last couple of years. This morning at the end of my working out at the Y, director Tommy Parham approached me. I had mention my idea to him earlier. He said there was a possibility of obtaining that land and there is interest in building a labyrinth there. I got chills. It is not a done deal, and it will take a lot of work, but I believe that God will make it happen. We will need a lot of support. You will be hearing more about this, and I hope you will support it.
God does answer prayers, not always the way we want them or when we pray them, but they are answered. And don’t forget with prayer comes thankfulness.
God is good. Praise be to God.
In Christ’s Love,
Father Russ
