Set Us Ablaze!

Last Friday night, Sue and I attended the Quaker Lecture for this year’s Western Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions in Plainfield. My former superintendent and doctoral advisor, Colin Saxton was giving the lecture, Walking Together in Power, Proximity, and Peace. Colin considered it a “part two” of his Quaker Lecture from last year. I highly recommend, if you did not already watch the lecture, tune in HERE: (the lecture starts at about 43:40).

On Sunday for closing worship, I was asked to provide the Pastoral Prayer. Being moved by Colin’s words on Friday, I decided to let them be the inspiration for my prayer. My hope was to capture his words in both a prayer and challenge to Western Yearly Meeting. I named the prayer, SET US ABLAZE!

Gracious God,

As we join for worship at the close of these Yearly Meeting Sessions, we ask that you send down your fire upon us once again.

Refine us by its searing heat.

Warm us by its overwhelming intensity.

Renew us by its blazing energy.

Ignite Your fire light within each of us, this day!

That our ears would again hear the call of our Quaker ancestors to burn bright in the darkness of our world!

That our hearts would desire a renewed proximity to ALL our neighbors - no matter their political, ideological, racial, or sexual identities and worldviews.

That our posture would be that of refining and reconciliation – drawing our hearts to find true peace with all whom we encounter on our way.

That our lives would abide in the passionate example of Jesus Christ– whose humility called him to forsake his own nature, become a servant, and lay down his life for our peace.

NOW, set us ablaze by your Spirit that Western Yearly Meeting may not be people who simply “blow smoke” but rather be trailblazers for Your ministry of grace.

NOW, set us ablaze by your Spirit that Western Yearly Meeting may practice what we preach, live into our testimonies, and abide in your presence.

NOW, set us ablaze by your Spirit that Western Yearly Meeting may once again be a life- giving, life-saving, and life-changing community!

NOW, set us ablaze by your Spirit that Western Yearly Meeting may be a band of sisters and brothers who are knit together, and when necessary restitched, in the bond of peace and fellowship!

Great Fire of God descend upon us, we pray! SET US ABLAZE!

And all God’s People said... AMEN!

May this also be our prayer at First Friends as we serve within Western Yearly Meeting.