The Faithnetworker Newsletter
Vol. 2. No. 8, October 7, 2001
http://www.faithnet.org
Need to Pray? Need to Talk?
Our Personal Devotions collection has many resources for prayer. Our
newest devotion, "When the Sky Falls," leads in a reflection
in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11.
Trevor Turner is available with his listening ear and pastoral wisdom.
You may contact Trevor in his Tuesday evening chats on Paltalk, by meeting
him in our chat foyer, or via email.
Arming for the Fight
Cool Scripture Cite
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand
against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh
and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against
the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:11-12)
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What to Pray?
Mark Sibley Jones
Much has happened since our last Faithnetworker newsletter went out
on September 9. Two days later, our nation was savagely attacked,
resulting in the deaths of some seven thousand innocent people. And,
just today, our nation has begun an overt military campaign against
targets in Afghanistan.
Like many persons, I find it difficult to find focus in my prayers.
The issues seem so incredibly complicated and intermingled. My initial
reactions of shock, horror and anger have waxed on into a bleary anxiety
and uneasiness. I'm concerned about blind prejudice leading some Americans
to vent their anger at innocent persons merely because of their race.
I'm still horrified when I see videos of "ground zero" and
know that the work of finding and identifying the bodies of victims
is ongoing. I'm still angry at the senselessness of the violence and
the religious overtones of it.
I believe it was Anthony deMello, who wrote of praying with just one-word.
Ulimately, the word of prayer becomes, "God!" This seems
to be the only prayer I can come up with much of the time.
Into God's hands we leave the fate of the world; into our hands is
given the task of carrying out the work of justice and love. God! Amen.