Day 29 - 40 Days of Prayer - Mary Newbern Williams

The journey to GA is coming full circle. In a few weeks we will be gathered together to address important issues and to worship together in the Name of Jesus Christ. While our denomination is far from being at peace with itself, we will at least speak our hearts and minds in an attempt to be faithful to Christ’s call. In our attempt to be faithful, let us pray without ceasing that the Lord’s will be done. If we pray together as one body in Christ, perhaps the issues we address will reflect the true will of God.

Let us pray for justice, peace, and freedom for those who live in situations of oppression and hostility. Let us pray for an end to racism, hunger, poverty, and disease so that people around the world will live empowered and enriched lives. Let us pray that what we do as a denomination will be done to the glory of God in Christ Jesus.

A good colleague and friend, The Rev. Dr. James Melvin Washington, researched the prayers of African Americans for two centuries, and compiled them into a book entitled, Conversations with God (1994: Harper Collins Publications). As one of my regular meditation tools, I lift up two of these prayers as we continue the journey during these 40 Days of Prayer. For whatever you lift up in prayer, and whatever the issues you desire to be addressed and resolved at GA, give thanks, for God loves you, hears your prayers, and knows your heart.

“Doxology”
Josephine Delphine Henderson Heard
(1861-1921)

Great God accept our gratitude,
For the great gifts on us bestowed—
For Raiment, shelter and for food.

Great God, our gratitude we bring,
Accept our humble offering,
For all the gifts on us bestowed,
Thy name be evermore adored.


“Thou Lovest Me”
Josephine Delphine Henderson Heard

Gracious Saviour let me make,
Neither error or mistake—
Let me in Thy love abide,
Ever near Thy riven side.

Let me, counting all things dross,
Find my glory in the cross;
Let me daily with Thee talk,
In Thy footsteps daily walk.

I would gladly follow Thee,
For Thou gently leadest me,
Where the pastures green doth grow,
Where the waters stillest flow.

For me is Thy table spread,
And Thou doth anoint my head,
And my cup of joy o’erflows,
In the presence of my foes.


Mary Newbern Williams
General Presbyter
John Calvin Presbytery