The GAFCON Primates meeting begins today. Auspiciously, today is the feast day of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a brilliant theolgian and student of Scripture. St. Bernard reformed the monastic order of Benedictines which eventually led to the establishment of the Trappists. He lived in a time of great schism within the church and is credited with reuniting and reconciling the church while keeping the church doctrinally sound.
The Gospel lesson for the feast day of St. Bernard is John 15: 7-11:
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Father in heaven, we lift up in prayer the faithful and courageous GAFCON primates who meet with one another beginning this day. May they remain in Christ, Father. May his words remain in them. May their prayers for peace, unity, and sound teaching in our church be answered. They have committed themselves to the path of discipleship, Father. May they glorify you by bearing much fruit. May they remain in Christ’s love. May they obey his commands. May Christ’s joy be in them and may their joy therefore be complete.
We ask Father that your Holy Spirit be ever present at this meeting. Inspire their hearts and minds with your love and your words and your thoughts. May they rejoice at the coming of your Spirit. May they lose themselves in their devotion to you. Make them bold evangelists of your kingdom. Make their hearts, minds, and faces radiant with your love. Empower them with the irresistible message of your Gospel.
Father, we ask nothing less than you use this group, and this meeting, to revive our church. Awaken us from our spiritual torpor. Renew us. Baptize us with your Holy Spirit. Blow a mighty wind throughout the Anglican Communion. Fill us to overflowing with your good news. Give us the same passion for one another that you have for us. Give us the passion that you showed us when you made yourself into a man and came to earth in person to redeem us. Bring us to our knees with love and devotion and awe. Break through our stony, ice-cold hearts. Cast out our timidity with your perfect love. We love you, Father. Give us voices than cannot keep from singing.
Amen.
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