Over the next three weeks, we will share a new prayer on Monday and Thursday. Check back or subscribe to our weekly emails here.
Monday, April 22
Let us pray for our Methodist brothers and sisters around the world who are serving as delegates to the General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Charlotte from April 23-May 3. May the Holy Spirit hover over each General Conference delegate, representing United Methodists from four continents.
Dear Lord, provide guidance as the world-wide delegation gathers to discern and determine the future for the global Methodist Church. Help them fellowship in your Spirit, worship in your truth and above all treat one another with grace. We pray that they may trust in the will of God and walk in love and unity, in confidence of God’s path set before them.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Thursday, April 25
Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for the eight clergy and eight lay delegates representing the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church at the General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Charlotte. We lift the Florida Conference Delegation up in gratitude and ask for Divine wisdom that they may discern Your will. Give them strength to build bridges, grace to listen more than they speak and openness to the work and movement of your Spirit. May unity replace divisiveness, love replace fear, and Your will replace their will. Guide their hearts in unity as they worship and serve together and keep them focused on their mission to make decisions for the global United Methodist Church and disciples of all people.
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2
Monday, April 29
Good and Gracious God, we thank you for the work that has been done over this last week at the General Conference. For all of the delegates around the world who have given of themselves to be a part of this historic and formidable gathering, we give you thanks. As we watch the General Conference unfold, and as we see the work of the body, their passion, their faith, their convictions, we thank you that the United Methodist Church is diverse, and deep, and grace-filled. We embody these things, but we are not perfect, so continue to pour out your grace and presence as we face the future together as a vibrant family. Guide us in love to embrace one another in our common love for You and our beliefs as brothers and sisters in Christ that in spite of our differences, we all belong to You.
“….But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” 1 Corinthians 12:24-25
Thursday, May 2
Good and Gracious God, we pause and give You thanks for the hard work of this General Conference and for all that has happened over the last 9 Days. As these final days happen, we pray for Your Spirit to move once again and continue to bring unity. We thank You that many voices were heard, diverse perspectives shared, various languages sang Your praise and fellowship across every cultural line is being practiced.
As the people called the United Methodist Church, we feel Your spirit moving and nudging us forward as we continue to heal the brokenness, the harm, the hurt and allow your grace to bring about hope! Tune our ears to hear you speak once more. Let us hear You every time you whisper in our ear. Help us pause, reflect, discern, and act on those whispers as You guide us each day.Guide our hearts in unity as we worship and serve together and keep us focused on our mission to make disciples of all people.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
Monday, May 6
Faithful God, we thank you for all the work that has been done over the last two weeks at the General Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Be with all of those who have traveled near and far to attend as delegates, volunteers and moderators. We ask that You would go with them as they return back to their home churches and Conferences.
In the days and weeks that follow, may your Spirit lead the way so that those entering joyful places would be affirmed, those that are entering confused places would be supported, those that are entering frustrated places would be protected.
And may all of us remember, that our calling has not changed, our work remains the same, and that as we seek your face and love your world, we join You in the work of Your Kingdom growing wider, deeper, and more filled with Your grace! Amen.
