Call to Prayer in the San Antonio Episcopal Area

Join us tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the First UMC in McCamey for a service of communion and healing as we begin our Lenten pilgrimage.

"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

(Esther 4:14)

From: Bishop Jim Dorff

To: All Members of the San Antonio Episcopal Area

We are living in times of change and challenge, times that can be difficult yet exciting as we seek to be a part of what God is doing among us and who God is calling us to be. As we seek to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to strive to make disciples for the transformation of the world, we are faced with how best to accomplish that mission as individuals, as families, as local churches, as conferences. The same question Mordecai posed to Esther could well be our question, too, for “Who knows whether God has placed us in this San Antonio Area for such a time as now?” That question leads us to others: “Who are we?” “Who is God calling us to be?” “Who is our neighbor?” and “How can we best accomplish God’s will?”

In seeking answers to these questions, our first and most important response AND task is to PRAY for clarity in discerning the ministry that is before us. Like the rich young ruler, we ask Jesus “Who is our neighbor?” and we are reminded to fulfill the Great Commandment to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:25-37)  We also hear Jesus’ words in Matthew 9:37 – The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

Therefore, as your Bishop of the San Antonio Episcopal Area, I am issuing this Call to Prayer in the Season of Lent (February 22 - April 7, 2012). The following guidelines are suggested as a way to unite and encourage us in a common focus as we seek to hear God’s will.

EVERY DAY let your prayers include responses to the following statements:  

God you are…

God forgive us…

Jesus, we need you…

Holy Spirit, empower us…

EACH WEEK use these questions/thoughts to focus your prayerful listening to God.

Week 1 – God, who are you calling us to be?

Week 2 – Lord, who is missing in our churches? In our conferences?

Week 3 – God, how can we best reach and serve your people?

Week 4 – Lord, help us be still and listen.  What is your will for us?

Week 5 – God, what is it that you are calling us to do as your church?

Week 6 – Holy Spirit, increase our passion for the “least and the lost”, to give ourselves for others.

Dear friends, please join me and your brothers and sisters in Christ in a Lenten season of prayer as we move together into God’s future.