Disciples Transforming World through Prayer
. . . if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, them will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land. —
2 Chronicles 7:14
Renata Recommended resources: Website www.gbod.org/laity You will find this book by Safiyah Fosua, “Jesus and Prayer,” a wonderful personal and/or group study guide on prayer. She was our Bible study leader at annual conference in June.
Laity Sunday is observed annually, usually on the third Sunday in October. One of its intended purposes is having laypersons participate in, or lead, the service on that day. In fact, laity participation in many of our churches is the norm. Why then celebrate a designated Laity Sunday? Surely not so the pastor can take the Sunday off! Or that some of the congregation would choose to stay home because a layperson would be the speaker for the day. That would defeat the very purpose of Laity Sunday.
I like how Taylor Burton-Edwards puts it: “Laity Sunday is a time together in our life as United Methodists for the congregation to evaluate and celebrate its discipleship to Jesus Christ.” (Laity Sunday 2006: Promptings for the Word)
This year’s theme is “Disciples Transforming the World through Prayer.” How very apt! One would dare say that as a denomination, we have left this reservoir of transforming power that God has provided for us virtually untapped. It is not too late to start its flow in our individual lives, in our churches, in our denomination and in our world. This year, as we evaluate our prayer lives, let us honestly confess our shortcomings in this area and resolve to improve! Of course, we celebrate those who are experiencing the blessings of Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Praying and an ongoing relationship with God go hand in hand. We are called to both in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
As you worship and celebrate on Laity Sunday this year, please also thank God for the lives and faithful witness of those lay members who have gone on to the church triumphant. Name them and spend a moment in quiet reflection as you do. We overlooked that at this year’s conference. We apologize and promise to correct this next year.
Laity and clergy, we need each other to survive. Let us look to the Lord in constant prayer, praying for each other and supporting each other.
PEACE!