The Power of Prayer

Beloved in Christ,

Yesterday, during a regular House of Bishops webinar, our Presiding Bishop closed his reflections on this challenging moment in our nation with a forceful admonition: “Never underestimate the power of prayer.” 

His point was that, while we are always called to act for justice, peace, and love in the world, the only way to ensure our actions are both faithful and effective is to ground them in God’s power through prayer.

The events we witnessed at our nation’s capital last week continue to be shocking and distressing, and there’s an anxious spirit about how the coming week and beyond will play out in our nation. In the midst of all of it, I found Bishop Curry’s words nourishing and convicting.

The most important thing that any of us can do in these days is pray: for ourselves, for those we love, for our elected leaders, and yes, even for those who are on the opposite side of the national divide from wherever we find ourselves. The divisions and animosity that cut through the fabric of our common life in so many different ways aren’t going away anytime soon. And while we are always called to stand firmly on the side of justice and speak up loudly for the cause of love, we are likewise called never to demonize or dismiss those who differ from us. In our baptismal covenant, which many of us renewed just this past Sunday, we have promised to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to love our neighbor as ourselves, to strive for justice and peace, and to respect the dignity of every human person. 

Our nation and our world stand in desperate need of light, shining the way of love. The only way we can be those lights and fulfill our promise is by rooting ourselves, day by day, even moment by moment, in the person and power of Jesus through unceasing prayer. 

Grace and Peace,

The Right Reverend Craig Loya
X Bishop
Episcopal Church in MN