Delegate Newsletter -- No. 15

Let Us Pray

Let us pray as we come to the 64th regular convention of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

WHY should we pray?

We pray because it is what our Lord invites and urges us to do

We pray because our Lord promises to hear our prayers.

We pray because we are confident that our Lord will answer our prayers in ways that will best reflect his glory, will serve his people, and will honor his church.

We pray because our prayers shape us.

About the convention, FOR WHAT should we pray?

Pray that those who are leading in worship may be filled with the Spirit of the Christ.

Pray that those who will make major presentations may do so with great effect for the delegates.

Pray that those charged with conducting the convention may do so with equity and good spirit.

Pray that every delegate may enjoy good health of body and of mind through the whole convention.

Pray that the homes of the delegates may be safe and blessed during the absence of these loved ones.

Pray that delegates, led by the Spirit of the Christ, will faithfully fulfill their duties. 

Pray that no one's reputation or ministry will be tarnished through public or private discussion.

Pray that the floor committees may do their work with their eyes fixed on Jesus, who provides treasures we have been handed and the promises that God continues to renew.

Pray that the nomination committee's work and the candidates they present to the convention may produce powerful officers and boards for the church.

Pray that the nominees may rejoice in our Lord's working through the convention.

Pray that those nominees elected may accept their responsibilities with humility and servant-leadership.

Pray that those nominees not elected may be moved to continue to use their gifts in significant and important ways.

Pray that those who wish to influence the convention may do so with a sense of humility and servant-hood.

Pray that at the convention's end, our Synod will be centered on being a part of Christ's faithful witness to the world, and at peace.

During the convention, WHO will pray?

Everyone is invited to pray fervently and faithfully

Someone will be specifically praying every hour the convention is in session.

(Jesus First Leadership invited people to volunteer for an hour of prayer.  The response was overwhelming.)

In addition, there will be specific prayer in the Convention Chapel.  All delegates are welcome to join in this prayer time.  Times of prayer will be shared in the Jesus First material available at the convention.

During the convention, HOW shall we pray?

There is hardly a better outline for prayer than that offered by our Lord. Consider the following as a starting point:

Sunday - " Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name" - as the convention begins with an act of worship, may every knee bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. As we move through the first elections of President and Vice-Presidents, may those elected lead us as we make his name holy.

Monday - "Thy Kingdom Come" - the first resolutions about mission and ministry. May those resolutions indeed continue to fulfill that for which our Lord prayed so earnestly.

Tuesday - "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" - as the angels in heaven praise our Lord, carry out his commands, and protect his little ones, may the convention this day be united in doing this angelic work on earth.

Wednesday - "Give us this day our daily bread" - pray that the convention may be filled with thanksgiving for how our Lord has provided that which we so badly need, and that he will continue to bless the church with, the resources (bread) needed for the opportunities that lay before us.

Thursday - "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who sin against us" – may the convention conclude its work acknowledging that our un-confessed sins may well be a barrier to what our Lord wishes to bless us with-but that in his gracious forgiveness we can be moved to remove the barriers between all brothers and sisters in Christ.

Friday - "Lead us not into temptation" - the convention is completed, but pray for those elected, with responsibilities for leadership. May they resist every temptation that would distract them, and that every resolve to serve our Lord may be exercised.

Saturday - "Deliver us from evil" - there is no real evil except that which separates us from our God, now and forever. Most delegates will be safely home. Pray the Spirit's continuing blessing upon them that nothing will separate them from God, and that the actions of the convention will connect many to Jesus.

For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever.  Amen. 

Rev. Vern Gundermann is the Senior Pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood, MO