“the church” is a phrase I hear a lot. It is usually accompanied by a complaint, frustration, or even a deep wound. Sometimes hope and expectation are joined with it, but mostly “the church,”—whatever she may be in a person’s mind—at this moment in history appears to be little more than unmet potential. But what if our disappointment were met with fidelity rather than fodder, with bold meekness rather than defense? Perhaps then, we would be the church we expect and hope.
Let us join together in prayer for “the church,” with these words adapted from Ernest Campbell.
We pray in the unity of faith for the peace and integrity of YOUR church in a time of shattered certainties and seething revolution.
Refresh our memory of storms already past, lest we forget that every temptation that vexes us is common to humanity.
Inspire our theologians and prophets (in pews & pulpits) to search your mind and word with unswerving diligence, and help us to follow them as (and only when) we see them follow you.
Make us big enough to respond constructively and with repentance to those who care enough about the church to criticize. “There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love.”
Embolden us to forge new alliances with those writers, pod-casters, and protesters of our day who are one with us in their desire to lament what is broken and hope for what is certain.
So conscious, Father, of what we lack, awaken us to the imperishable worth of what we have:
the Word of life,
the Savior’s presence,
a fatih family of millions,
union with the church above,
and faith so potent that a speck the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain.
We love “the church,” YOUR church, O Lord, and for its good we offer our best.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.