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 In
the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C.,
tourists often sit in the Sanctuary, and often in one particular
spot - the Lincoln pew. There is always a meditative quality
to the scene; reverence, no doubt, for the memory of Abraham
Lincoln, but also respect for the fact that this Great American
president worshiped and prayed to God from this pew. A stained-glass
window in the church that depicts Lincoln standing in front
of the pew, as was his custom, during the pastoral prayer.
Prayer was a vital part of Lincoln's presidency. He kept a
habit of daily prayer, even if but a few words. Lincoln had
a keen sense that there was a divine power that could not
be co-opted by human pretensions. In his Second Inaugural
Address, he spoke of the prayers of Northern and Southern
partisans that "could not be answered," noting that
"neither has been answered fully" because each was
praying that they would be victorious over the other. Lincoln's
own prayer in this great speech was "that this might
scourge of war may speedily pass away."
Thursday,
May 1 is the National Day of Prayer, which was instituted
by an action of Congress in 1988. It recalls the day of "humiliation,
fasting, and prayer" declared by President Abraham Lincoln
in 1863 as the nation faced the difficult task of reconciliation
and reconstruction. It seems only fitting, as our country,
our state, and aspects of our own community continue to struggle
with some of these same difficulties, we offer this prayer:
On this important day, let us pray: O God, you are Lord over
all of the nations. We come humbly before you. Grant us the
peace that only you can bring. In Christ's name. Amen.
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REGARDING
NEW CHURCH DIRECTORIES:
New Church Pictorial Directories continue to be available
in the Parlor.
(When you take your new copy, please be sure to put a check
by your name so we know you have received it.)
It is
important to USE this directory. Call the people you miss
in church. Invite members and friends to worship and fellowship
events. Use the address information to send notes of compassion
and concern when there are special needs. PRAY WITH THIS DIRECTORY!
This is not just a list of names. . . it's our family.
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