Praying our way forward together

Dear brothers, sisters, siblings of the Mountain Sky Area,

The week of March 12 is our turn to hold the Commission on the Way Forward in prayer. The Commission was created at General Conference 2016, to address the impasse in the Church regarding human sexuality. Its task is to explore what the future of The United Methodist Church might look like: how do we find unity in Jesus Christ while at the same time have differing opinions regarding human sexuality? Each annual and central conference has been asked to spend a week in prayer for the commission and for our denomination. "The aim of 'Praying Our Way Forward' is to ask and listen for God’s leadership at this critical time in the life of our church,” said Bishop Al Gwinn. 

I am thankful for the conference Lay Leaders of our area, who have called for us to be in prayer every day for the Commission. I believe in the power of prayer, and believe that it is imperative for us to join together and undergird the work of this group with prayer’s power.

The Commission on a Way Forward is made up of thirty-two individuals: bishops, clergy, and laity from around the world. Representing nine countries, they are conservative and progressive and middle-of-the-road. Most are heterosexual although some identify as lgbtq. The commission is meeting every few weeks to build trust, pray and study together, and listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said that unity is found in agreement to essential doctrine, while allowing for difference in non-essential opinions. The committee, as it explores the future of the church, seeks to embody Wesley’s understanding. As stated in the commission’s vision: “This unity will not be grounded in our conceptions of human sexuality, but in our affirmation of the Triune God who calls us to be a grace-filled and holy people in the Wesleyan tradition.”

As we pray our way forward as a denomination, may we find our unity through Jesus Christ. May this unity strengthen us as we seek to live out the mission of The United Methodist Church, “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”

I invite you to spend time each day this week in prayer. Lift up the work of the commission and our Church. Listen for God’s voice. Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Stay loving,

Bishop Karen Oliveto

---

This Week's Prayer 

That shall unclasp and set me free.
Place in my hands the wonderful key
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Open my eyes that I may see
Silently now I wait for thee,
Ready, my God, thy will to see.  
Open my eyes; illumine me, Spirit divine!
  (Clara H. Scott, 1895)

Gracious God, in these days of division and disagreement, open our eyes to one another. Help us see the way you work in the lives of those around us. Help us see your creative touch in the faces of your children. Help us hear your Truth in the voices of others.  

As we pray together, we ask that your Holy Spirit enfold the members of the Commission on a Way Forward. As they gather, may they always remember that they are standing on Holy Ground. Inspire them. Guide them. Lead them. Embolden them.

You are a surprising God. May our hearts be open to the future you desire for us.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen.