Prayer and Service
“Prayer and service can never be seen as contradictory or mutually exclusive. Prayer without action grows into powerless pietism, and action without prayer degenerates into questionable manipulation.
If prayer leads to deeper unity with the compassionate Christ, it will always give rise to concrete acts of service. And if concrete acts of service lead us to deeper solidarity with the poor, the hungry, the sick, the dying, and the oppressed, they will always give rise to prayer. In prayer, we meet Christ, and in him all human suffering. In service, we meet people, and in them, the suffering Christ.” —Henry Nouwen in You Are the Beloved.
Mary and Martha with Jesus
Our prayers should always lead us to service. That is why I am part of our Daughters of the King, who are a model of prayers leading to service. As deacons, we are called to servant ministry, leading others to servant ministry. We may be pulled in so many directions and forget about prayer. There is such a great need that we sometimes forget to pray before we start.
We may pray constantly as we try to see Christ in the people we serve or in the people we lead to serve. We try to bring the needs of the world to the church, but the needs become overwhelming. Prayer helps us know the most significant needs at varying times in our world. Prayer helps us direct those needs of the world to other people hearing that call to serve.
As deacons, we stand beside those serving the world. We stand beside our bishop, our priests, the laity, and those serving the needs of the church and the world. Prayer is the glue connecting us and supporting others who also serve the needs of the world in God’s church.
I think I have such good ideas, but I have painfully learned that when I do not offer these ideas in prayer, I travel down paths that do not lead to fruitful ministry. Our prayers give us the words to say as we minister to others. Prayers give us the words to say to lead others. Our prayers remind us we are not lone rangers but are led by one who is always beside us as we serve beside others.
Joanna joannaseibert.com.