|
|
|
Presbyterian Moderator Dr Sam Hutchinson has called for congregations to set aside special times for prayer over the next two Sundays, June 29 and July 6.
In a letter sent to every Presbyterian Minister Dr Hutchinson says, 'The next few weeks will be a difficult time for our community. There can be little doubt that difficult decisions will have to be made by those in authority, and by others. I believe that the church has an important role to play in giving clear leadership, in calming unnecessary fears and in offering pastoral support to those who feel under particular pressure. Of course the special contribution we as Christians must constantly make, is to offer fervent and believing prayer.'
Topics suggests by the Moderator for this special time of intercession include:
- Church leaders, or others who may offer themselves in mediation, that they may be able to listen and offer wise advice.
- All in positions of influence at local level that they may seek ways to exercise their influence responsibly.
- Government ministers and officials, that they may be given wisdom and true insight.
- Security forces, in the difficult decisions senior police officers may have to make, in the hazardous duties some policemen may have to undertake and in the tense situation in which many of their families have to live.
- People who are confused about the actions they should take, that they may seek to know the will of God.
In a final paragraph Dr Hutchinson urges Presbyterians to take actions which are consistent with the spirit of Christ. 'I call on members of the Presbyterian Church to engage only in actions which are consistent with the Spirit of Christ, which uphold the credibility of our Church's witness and which further the ends of the gospel.'
NOTE: Dr Hutchinson is at present in Austria attending an interchurch conference. Interviews on this prayer request will be takenby Dr Donald Watts - Convener of the Church's Peace and Peace Making Committee
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
PCI Home . . . Press Office . . . News Archive