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Presbyterian Moderator Dr John Lockington has called Presbyterians to 'spend significant time each day specifically praying for our situation' in what he describes as the 'extremely dangerous state of affairs confronting all of us in Northern Ireland.'
In a letter to be read in all Presbyterian Churches this Sunday, 27-06-99, the Moderator encourages Presbyterians to be at their own churches the following Sunday, 4 July, and that arrangements are made for people to meet sometime in the afternoon of that Sunday [July 4] to pray together.
In his letter the Moderator also specifically addresses Presbyterians who are members of the Orange Order. 'In particular, I, as Moderator, would call on all Presbyterian members of the Orange Order and their families to be at their own place of worship, morning and evening, on next Sunday [July 4], and in the afternoon those Orangemen with the opportunity to attend stated Orange Services locally should, if they wish, do so. Otherwise I would ask that they spend time in prayer as may be arranged within their own neighbourhood.'
Full text of Moderator Letter
Dear Colleague
I am sure that you share with me deep concern about the extremely dangerous state of affairs confronting all of us in Northern Ireland at this time. I trust that you will also agree that it is vital for us to continually seek God in prayer.
Therefore I want to ask you to provide an opportunity for your people to take time on Sunday 4th July to pray specifically for the present volatile situation. You might set aside specific times during morning and evening worship services. However could I ask you to arrange for people to meet sometime in the afternoon of that Sunday to pray together.
Suggestions for prayer might include:
- Peace in our land
- All victims of violence
- That God would transform lives
- That people would turn from violence
- Understanding between all who differ
- Wisdom and integrity for all in positions of leadership
I also feel it relevant that I address those Presbyterians who are members of the Orange Order and would appreciate if you could arrange to have the following read, as appropriate, at public worship on Sunday 27th June.
'All of us are aware of the potentially dangerous situation confronting us in Northern Ireland over the next number of days. We who are God's people are called to live under the authority of God's Word and enjoy the wonderful privilege of being able to bring our needs to Him.
As Moderator of the General Assembly, I would urge everyone to spend significant time each day specifically praying for our situation.
Furthermore , I would ask you to be at church next Sunday 4th July and to take advantage of the opportunity presented to meet with others in the locality for a time of prayer together. II Chron 7:14.
In particular, I, as Moderator, would call on all Presbyterian members of the Orange Order and their families to be at their own place of worship, morning and evening, on next Sunday, and in the afternoon those Orangemen with the opportunity to attend stated Orange Services locally should, if they wish, do so. Otherwise I would ask that they spend time in prayer as may be arranged within their own neighbourhood.'
Yours in Christ,
Dr John Lockington
Moderator
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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