In Times of Crisis - Part 2

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- 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:

June 7, 1944, following D-day invasion of Normandy:

Just a word before we pray. Some of our boys died last night in the crusade for freedom and humanity; some of our boys died last night who had looked through the glimpse of the future and claimed it as their own; some of our boys died last night who dreamed of a happy home and a circle of loved ones; some of our boys died last night in the front row of battle for the country they adored; some of our boys died last night beneath the skies of embattled France; some of our boys died last night for you and me that liberty may not die out of the human breast.

Let us pray together.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth. Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Merciful and compassionate Father, Thou who art light to all in darkness and love to all under the yoke of hate, forgive us our sins, and grant that the fountain of cleansing in our country may be opened afresh. By prayer, meditation, and alone with Thee, we pray for an outrush of spiritual power that will work marvels in lives transfigured and in nations reborn. We pray that the glory of the Lord may shine on Thy people of every name: make them strong in the dark days ahead, rooted in the stability of faith until peace and rest shall be won. O lead the struggle to emancipate all people in bondage and redeem the sacrifice and toil of the noble living and the noble dead.

"Break every weapon forged in fires of hate, Turn back the foes that would assail Thy gate, Where fields of strife lie desolate and bare Take Thy sweet flowers of peace and plant the there. "Come, blessed peace, as when in hush of eve God's benediction falls on souls that grieve. As shines the star when weary day departs, Come, peace of God, and shine in every heart."

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

May 11, 1945, following the death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the death of Adolph Hitler, VE Day:

Almighty God, Thou art worthy of more than our deepest love, our highest praise, and our purest devotion. May we daily aspire to bring our character and conduct into a closer harmony with Thy divine holiness and in tune with that which is noble, just, and righteous. We pray that in our longings and struggles for freedom and peace we may gird ourselves with faith, fidelity, and fortitude, assured that we shall be gloriously triumphant, for Thou art the Lord God Omnipotent. Grant that Thy voice of wisdom and counsel may be heard in the mind and heart of our President and all the leaders and Members of this Congress. Let Thy guiding Spirit take full possession of all who are now seeking to organize the good will of the nations of the earth for a just and lasting peace. May we confidently believe that the whole world is being lifted by Thy grace into the loftier altitudes of spiritual unity and fellowship. Lord, we believe. Help Thou our unbelief. In the name of the Prince of Peace, we offer our petitions. Amen.

September 5, 1945, after the first use of nuclear weaponry on a civilian population, VJ Day:

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty! It is a good thing to give thanks unto Thee, for surely Thou dwellest in the darkness as well as in the light. So we come to Thee with the hope that the faith of all the generations of them that have sought Thy face may be repeated in us. O divine Presence, so crown the Congress with the conquering wisdom of truth that our country may gather an inspiration that will be justified for years to come. Lift up our thoughts and our hearts, O God. We have heard the echoes of the tramp of doom, but through unparalleled sacrifice the age-old weapons of hatred, intolerance, and godless ambition have been subdued. Another great opportunity for peace has come to America -peace with God, peace with men, and with ourselves; not a peace that is complacent, but prodigal in its abundance. With joy and gladness may we turn to our good earth and with determined purpose labor for the unity of our country; build it up, strengthen its influence and moral power until its righteous voice is heard around the world. Be Thou with our President, our Speaker, and the leaders, and with them let us march toward the clean world which our hands can make. In the name of Him who is our Mediator and Advocate. 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,

Ref. Jeff Fox-Kline

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