Prayer and Service
“Prayer and service can never be seen as contradictory or mutually exclusive. Prayer without action can grow into powerless pietism, and action without prayer can degenerate into questionable manipulation.
If prayer leads to deeper unity with the compassionate Christ, it will always give rise to concrete acts of service. And if concrete acts of service lead us to deeper solidarity with the poor, the hungry, the sick, the dying, and the oppressed, they will always give rise to prayer. In prayer, we meet Christ, and in him all human suffering. In service, we meet people, and in them, the suffering Christ.” —Henry Nouwen in You Are the Beloved.
Martha Mary
Our prayers should always lead us to service. That is why I am part of our Daughters of the King, who serve as a model of prayer leading to service. As deacons, we are called to servant ministry, leading others to servant ministry. We may be pulled in so many directions and forget about prayer. There is such a great need that we sometimes forget to pray before we start.
We may pray constantly as we try to see Christ in the people we serve or in the people we lead to serve. We strive to bring the needs of the world to the church, but they become overwhelming. Prayer helps us recognize the most pressing needs at various times in our world. Prayer helps us direct the needs of the world to others, hearing that call to serve.
mary and martha
As deacons, we stand beside those serving the world. We stand beside our bishop, our priests, the laity, and those serving the needs of the church and the world. Prayer is the glue that connects us and supports others who also serve the needs of the world in God’s church.
I think I have some good ideas, but I have painfully learned that when I don’t offer these ideas in prayer, I travel down paths that do not lead to fruitful ministry. Our prayers give us the words to say as we minister to others. Prayers give us the words to say to lead others. Our prayers remind us that we are not lone rangers, but are led by one who is always beside us as we serve alongside others.
Joanna joannaseibert.com.