A CALL TO PRAYER for the ELCA:

We are facing critical issues and critical times. We need to be in prayer. Please join us in praying for:

I. THE ASSEMBLY in Orlando

+ Voting members

+ Your synod bishop

+ WordAlone / Solid Rock movement planners

+ Solid Rock / WordAlone issues & resolutions


II. CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY (Aug 8 - 14)

A. PEOPLE

+ Voting members from your area

+ Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson

+ Conference of Bishops

+ Those demonstrating on behalf of the gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgender issues

+ WordAlone / Solid Rock movement planners

+ Pray your other concerns now ...

B. ISSUES

+ Shall we ordain practicing gay & lesbian candidates?

+ Shall we perform "blessings" of same sex unions?

+ Recommendations of the ELCA Church Council

+ RENEWING WORSHIP: vote on proposed new hymnal (ie: Approve or Delay)

+ Establish full communion with Methodist Church

+ Solid Rock / WordAlone issues & resolutions

+ Other(s)

C. PRAY FOR:

... the Holy Spirit to find open & receptive hearts

... that faithfulness to Jesus Christ and His Word will prevail

... that voting members will vote the courage of their convictions

... a vision of renewal in the Word and Lutheran Confessions

...Truth to trump political correctness

... a spirit of repentance, willing to turn toward God.

... a spirit of humility in the face of tasks that dwarf us

... a desire that Christ may be glorified in all that we do

... that all may sense the profound consequences that will follow throughout the Christian world.

Ask and it shall be given, seek and you will find: knock and it will be opened to you.

Adaptation of a "Call to Prayer" prepared by Pastor Norman Olsen, of Starbuck, MN, for a local WA chapter meeting on April 2, 2005

Luther Johnson
SW MN Synod