May 6, 2022
A daily prayer from the New England Conference
Members of the New England Conference Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week.
You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions.
Today's Prayer
I found this written on a scrap of paper in our archives. All I know is that it was written in the 1940s at an Epworth League Youth Institute of the Methodist Church, probably held at Kents Hill School. On the back it reads, “Handed to me last night after our worship service conducted by our Youth Council.” Norman Thombs – Director Camp Mechuwana “Dear God, until yesterday I was not sure how to ask you for help. In my family I was taught never to ask you for personal things but only things for others. Then I took part in a circle prayer, and almost everyone was asking for your help with something in their own life. I could not believe it. Is it really okay to do that? I left circle prayer after not speaking a word and sat near Lookout Rock. I could tell you already knew what I was struggling with. I knew it in my heart, but for some reason it took me a long time to speak to you about my grandfather and how much I missed him, and it took me longer to ask you for your help with dealing with his death. But I did ask you, and I know you listened. Thank you for bringing me here and for circle prayer, where I learned I could ask you for help with my problems.” Amen This really caught my eye, not just because it was written 80 years ago, but because of how many conversations I have with Youth today who have this same issue. I am not sure if it is the Puritan New England kind of thinking that has become part of our psyche, but when exploring this with young people the root of the issue is almost always “I do not feel I am worthy to ask for help”. It was a reminder to me of how important it is for young people to have a place where people can listen to others, young and old having a conversation with God.
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