Complete Story
08/22/2009
Day 5: I prayed hard today
I prayed hard today.
I began the day in prayer because I was going to violate one of the 10 Commandments today. As a pastor, Sunday is a 16-hour work day, and not the sabbath for me. Mine is on Friday. Friday is the day I rest, relax, reconnect with God. I was going to work on the sabbath, work hard on the sabbath. I also knew what was on the agenda for today. I prayed hard today.
I prayed hard as our Synod Vice President, Thomas Taylor, prepared to speak to the Assembly as one of the 8 candidates for the ELCA Vice Presidency. I prayed for wisdom and guidance and and strength and peace for Tom. I prayed hard today.
I prayed hard when we went into worship. I prayed as I heard the Word of God spoken to me. I prayed as I received the body and blood of Christ broken and shed for me. I prayed as I received an anointing and a laying on of hands as I heard the promise of healing from the Holy Spirit for me. I prayed hard today.
I prayed hard as Peter Mayer (lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffet) and his pastor Rev. Ron Glusenkamp led us in Bible Study on the book of Proverbs. I had ridden down in the elevator with the two of them the night before. And followed Peter into a little impromptu concert he was giving for the Lutheran Men in Mission reception. I prayed hard today.
I prayed hard as the gathered assembly began to debate and vote on the Ministry Recommendation asking the Church to respect the "Bound Conscience" of others. This was the first of the issues that this Assembly had been working toward since 2001. Since my election as a voting member a year and a half ago, I have been praying, studying scripture, talking with others, discerning what the Holy Spirit was calling us to do in this time and this place. I came to this assembly, I came to this moment not really knowing how I would vote. I was praying for the Spirit to guide me. As the assembly voted to accept this recommendation by a 70/30% margin, I prayed. I prayed hard today.
I prayed as we began to debate the recommendation that this Church recognize the ability of same-gendered individuals to live in monogomous, life-long, committed relationships. I prayed as I heard and remember all the things others said about people who might vote in support of such a measure. Some of the voices saying those things being people I knew, didn't know, called friends, collegue, brother and sister in Christ. I prayed as the assembly passed the measure by a 60/40% margin. I prayed hard today.
I prayed as the assembly took up the recommendation of whether this Church would allow the rostering of individuals in same-gender, life-long, committed relationships to serve in this Church. I prayed as I heard people say that any pastor who might vote for such a measure was spitting on and making a sham and mockery of their ordination vows. I prayed as I heard people offer vocal support of that statement. I prayed as one of those people was sitting to my left. I prayed as this assembly passed this measure by a 56/44% margin. I prayed hard today.
I prayed hard when the assembly wrestled with the policy changes this decisions would entail. I prayed as the assembly approved the measures by a 68/32% margin.
I prayed hard today. I love this church. I love the people of this church. I take my ordination vows very seriously. I prayed and prayed and studied and prayed. I support this church in whatever decisions it would have made. I am grieving with those who are grieving now. I am rejoicing with those who are rejoicing now. I am crying with all those who are crying now. I believe in our church. I pray for our church. I trust the promises God has made to us through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. I heard the voices of those who criticize me, and I understand why they do. I prayed hard today.
As you know, I brought a rosary to pray with. The rosary came apart as I was praying hard today. The beads rolled over the floor of the assembly. My prayers roll over this church in the same way.
I prayed hard today.
Mike Poole
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Thank you for your care with this. Know that I am praying too.
I didn't read this until Monday, 8/24. Good reflection - personal and informative.
If you are struggeling with Issues with God I have found a song that helps me to remember my place.
"Wave the white flag of surennder, Lord I've had enough of My way. Teach me how to surender my will, It's a new day.
Lord I wish I didn't struggle, wish I didn't hold on so tight.
Teach me how to surrender my will and change me tonight.
Gotta learn to give up, lay down
fight hard by letting go
Hold close and give away
live the Truth I know
Yield to what you want to do
Resign that it's mine
and say a Blessed Good bye.
I know that it's a paradox that I gain Your life when mine is lost but still it is a mystery Lord help me see.
Give me eyes for things eternal, help me not to hold on so tight. Loose my grip from the things of this world cause I'm losing the fight."
