Day 33 - 40 Days of Prayer - Peter Nord

“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in everyone of my prayers for all of you, because of the sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Philippians 1:3

At the first Residency for new Presbytery Leaders held in May, we viewed Dewitt Jones’ For the Love of it which encourages its viewers to approach all that we do out of a profound love of what we are doing. More than one of us had tears in our eyes. As some of you know I often respond to questions of “How are things?” with “I’m having fun . . . every day.” Folks don’t always know how to take the inflection in my voice, but the answer is genuine – and I know that many of you feel the same way.

I do get up every morning and thank God – for this work she has invited me and us to take up. It is challenging, exciting, demanding, and provides opportunities of which I never dreamed. And many of us have discovered a bond with our colleagues in this work and ministry that is far greater than anything we have experienced before in the ministry. For each of you, I also thank God.

Yes, these are not easy times and we yearn to be at the banks of the Jordon River. But let us remember that this time in the wilderness is different than being lost in the desert. The desert is brutal and there is little to sustain us in that environment. But the wilderness is different. It was to the wilderness that Christ journeyed to discern his future ministry and to gain sustenance.

This “great emergence” of which we are blessed to be mid-wives is a gift to our Church and to us. And God has called us to be a part of these momentous times and gave us colleagues with whom to sojourn. How can we not have fun every day? How can we not give thanks to God with joy every time, every day?

Strong and loving God, we pray with joy and thanksgiving for the colleagues you have given us in this ministry to which you have called us. Amen.

Peter Nord
Executive Presbyter
Presbytery of Baltimore