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July 15th.
2009
GOD'S GRACE IN THE PROCESS
In 2003, you may recall I was the Chaplain for General
Convention. This was a role that provided me with the opportunity to
offer daily meditations, provide prayers for those in need, and to be
pastorally present as called upon.
I spent months preparing the mediations and I drew on the talents of
many of my friends and colleagues from around the country to assist with
these presentations. In both the preparing and the delivering it was
truly a holy, life-changing experience.
Likewise, spending time with and offering prayers for those in need was
wonderful. More times than not the folks seeking prayers were
individuals that I had no previous relationship with. What greater way
to get to know someone than through prayer?
The last of my chaplain responsibilities was by far the most
challenging. I am of course not a stranger to being pastorally present
as called upon. This reality as you might imagine is a staple of my
daily life. The challenge however in doing so at General Convention was
the setting and circumstances.
At a moments notice, and always at very intense times the President of
the House of Deputies or another deputy would request that the Chaplain
be called upon to offer prayers.
Let me further describe the dynamics of the situation. There are over
800 deputies with a gallery of over 200 plus others. The process is
legislative and ran through fairly strict parliamentarian procedures.
Thus often amidst great debate in this multitude I would be beckoned to
offer prayer.
It was during this experience that I learned something and was reminded
of one of the strongest Gospel truths that I believe in. What I learned
was that God’s presence is equally needed and made known regardless of
one’s position or political persuasion. And what I was so clearly
reminded is how God’s grace works through us all. Not the least of which
was through a chaplain facing a crowd of over 1000 of God’s testy
children.
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
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