01-29-26

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 29, 2026
Yesterday, I took an online class with Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes, from Union Theological Seminary. The title of the class was, “Only Prayer Can Save Us! How to Stay Alive and Sustain Our People During These Times.” There were so many good sources of nourishment in his words. He reminded us how important it is that we go deeper into our spiritual well. If we allow our reservoirs to run dry, we cannot do the things God is needing us to do. He also talked about how we too often pray ‘for’ or ‘to’ or ‘about,’ but how about praying ‘with.’ Prayer is about a relationship with God, and like a good friend, we can ask for things, talk about things, or talk to our friend. But doesn’t your friendship expand and grow when you choose to simply be ‘with’ your friend? The same is true with God. Carvelhaes also spoke about how we pray ‘with’ others, especially when others are suffering or deeply grieving. He talked about how prayer is about lingering with the stories of those who are hurting, grieving, and afraid. There are times when simply knowing we have someone who is ‘with’ us in the pain is enough for the moment.

Holy and Gentle God, friend and companion to all, help us to find that place of centering where we are able to be with you, even if it is only for a few moments. It’s there that we can drink from the well of life and find nourishment in your love. Give us the capacity and empathy so we are able to be fully present and listen to the stories of those whose experiences might be very different than our own, yet through compassionate attentiveness, we are able to better sit with them and to bring an awareness of your presence no matter the circumstance. This is our prayer and request. Amen.