It seems that I’m in a season of engaging history, as evidenced by my writing about John Witherspoon last week. In looking back, I’ve helped myself gain a better understanding of who we are as people and who we might become if we’re careful (or not).
I’ve found some incredible documents written by or about Presbyterians throughout American history. As a faith tradition, we have been privileged to be present in inflection points from our past. I’m looking forward to bringing out some of those writings soon. But today my fascination is not Presbyterian, but Methodist.
One of our members, Gail D., mentioned that she had an uncle who baptized her and served as the chaplain for United States House of Representatives. Rev. James Shera Montgomery served in this capacity for 29 years, from April 11, 1921 to January 3, 1950. One of the hardest things about being a pastor is trying to find the words that are adequate to meet the moment. I can’t imagine how much harder it is when you are praying for the elected representatives of the most powerful country in the world at the most consequential times in recent history.
Each of these following prayers were made at the opening of a session of congress after particular events. There will never be words adequate for those times, but I am heartened to see what was being shared in the halls of power:
October 31, 1929, the onset of the Great Depression:
Dear Lord, just for a moment we calmly wait. Nothing but the bread of Heaven can feed our souls, and nothing but the blessed balm of Gilead can heal the hurts and wounds of life. · Be with that Member upon whom a great sorrow has come and whose fireside is dark. Draw us from self. and sin to Thee and goodness. We want the old truth, namely, God in human life. A truth as old as eternity and as new as the last ray that floods the earth. Bless our homes, Heavenly Father. Make every one a house of God and every hearthstone an altar of prayer. Help us to obey Thy commandments and keep Thy ordinances. Keep Thy servants from presumptuous sins and let them not have dominion over us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
December 9, 1941, Pearl Harbor attacked and the U.S.A. entered into WWII:
Almighty God, we thank Thee for the Holy Bible. What history, what grandeur, and what a symphony of hope. It is humanity's sob over sin and failure; upon its immortal pages the Master has written His moving compassion: The new was in the old concealed And the old was by the new revealed. 0, Thou Lawgiver, Prophet, and Teacher, who has come down the highways of history, supplant our ambition to rule by a passion to serve, discovering deeper, richer meanings in the life and ministry of the gospel of our Lord. As we are being exposed to odious perils and thrust into a ghastly conflict, grant that the love of truth, the power of justice, and the refuge of prayer may arm us when assaulted by dark temptation; against these the black arts of evil can never prevail. Every sin that blasts, every inspiration that saves, testifies to the righteousness of Almighty God. In the name of our Redeemer. Amen.
December 11, 1941:
Heavenly Father, Thou who art light, help us to dissipate the darkness; Thou who art life, may it beat in us with full pulsation and with a deep sense of fidelity, of meekness, and long-suffering. It is only through entire consecration do we get an insight into the transforming power of the things of God, augmenting the divine in us and clearing our faith. Oh, do Thou appeal to that instinct of recovery, love of country, and to that temper of hope which Thou hast established in the true American heart. Almighty God, let us live alive and free, never forfeiting the dreams and the ideals of our religion, free education, and the open church. Breathe upon them all the pure spirit of Heaven, delivering our people from fear, never being seduced by sordid reckonings nor by the disguises of false friendships. We pray Thee to crown us all with Thy blessed promises which mean faith, conviction, sacrifice, and heroism. We praise Thee, Almighty God, that weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning. In our dear Redeemer's name. Amen.
These words were spoken to a nation in crisis, to the highest authorities of a nation in crisis. In a time of hopelessness, they spoke of hope. They spoke of the ways that God’s presence remains and promises a future. These words were spoken in recent memory by a person who is connected directly to this church family. These are our words, and as we look to an uncertain future, we can be comforted by the prayers of the past.
Peace,
Rev. Jeff Fox-Kline
Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church is located at 1200 S. Winton Road, in the heart of Brighton, NY. If you're in the Rochester, NY area and would like to learn more about us, we invite you to call our office at 585-244-8585, send us an email, or visit us in person! Or, if you'd like to see all of our latest updates, visit our Facebook page! Whichever option you choose, we look forward to connecting with you!
コメント