Call to Prayer
from
The Board of Laity
Western North Carolina Conference of
The United Methodist Church
The Board of Laity of the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church does not condone hatred, bigotry, violence, prejudice or any form of oppression in the lives of all God’s children. We reject the hateful actions and rhetoric of hate groups. We believe the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is where we strive to reconcile and heal those who have suffered and those who have committed these hateful and hurtful acts. We are committed to work to ensure that, just as every person is equal in the eyes of God, all are equal on earth.
With heightened awareness brought on by the events that transpired in Charlottesville, VA this past weekend and occur throughout the world on a daily basis, The Board of Laity is requesting that all members: laity and clergy, join us in a week of prayer beginning Sunday, August 20th. Pray for justice for all who suffer from hatred, bigotry, violence, injustice and forms of oppression and that the eyes and ears of those who bring this suffering may be opened to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We have listed specific prayers for each of the 7 days. To begin this time of prayer, we ask that you intentionally read the “Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith” from our Baptismal Covenant and pray for the renewal of your covenant.
Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith
On Behalf of the Whole Church, I ask you:
Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?
I do.
Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?
I do.
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations and races?
I do.
Day 1: Pray for the victims that were injured and the souls of those who lost their lives in the events in Charlottesville and for victims throughout the world. Pray for their families and loved ones that they are surrounded in Jesus’ loving arms and are comforted in some small way.
Day 2: Pray for those who have hardened their hearts toward fellow human beings through acts of bigotry, hatred and violence. Pray that their eyes be opened and hearts softened toward those that are different than them because we are all Children of God.
Day 3: Pray that God’s grace and comfort surround those that have lost loved ones to acts of violence and racism.
Day 4: Pray that those affected by Racism and acts of violence remain hopeful knowing that God stands with them in the midst of their suffering and God’s grace, love and mercy will strengthen them as they overcome injustice.
Day 5: Pray that as Children of God, we are able to put aside our differences and strive for hearts and souls that allow for conversation, understanding and for the path toward healing to begin.
Day 6: Pray Ephesians 2: 14-16: For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Day 7: That God continues to keep these acts of hatred and bigotry on our hearts so that we may strive to shine the light of Jesus Christ through our thoughts, words, deeds and witnessing.