Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
SUNDAY, September 27 17 Pentecost
James 5:13-20. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.
When I was in seminary, my tutor gave me some advice that has served me well. He said whenever you agree to pray for someone, it is a serious commitment so make sure you follow through. If your prayer list becomes too long to give each prayer the attention it deserves, politely refuse to take on any more.
On the surface this may seem harsh, but over the years I have come to see its wisdom. The prayers I am talking about are not Sunday morning intercessions. Those can be prayed briefly. Rather, it is personal prayer which takes time and concentration. It is prayer one might find in a monastery or convent, offered up by religious. But we in the secular world can be powerful pray-ers too. By our baptism, we have been made righteous. As such, we are called to pray. Let us not approach this casually.
When a friend asks me to pray for him, I often sigh, for I know this will take some time and work. But that time spent with God is always rewarding, powerful, and effective.
PRAY for the Diocese of St. Andrew's Dunkeld and Dunblane (Scotland)
Ps 124 and Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 –OR– Ps 19:7-14 and Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29; Mark 9:38-50
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
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