November 2, 2025: Let Us Pray
2 Thessalonians 1: 1-4, 11-12

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

As I write this, I'm in my final week of sabbatical. The past three months have been an incredible time for rest, reflection, and renewal. I'II share what I've learned, experienced, and the connections or themes that tied together much of what I did during the Lunch & Learn after worship, so I won't go into detail here — you'll need to join us for lunch!

There are many things happening in our country and around the world right now, and it can be hard to see where God is at work. However, I believe that God is faithful and that we are called to be the people of God — called to act and speak in ways that bring about justice and peace. We are called to pray. Prayer is not a passive act. It is not sitting on our hands and wishing all the problems would go away. Prayer is actively talking to God, listening for what God is saying, and then acting in the ways God calls us to act. Prayer can be a protest. Prayer can be writing or calling legislators. Prayer changes things.

The early Christians in Thessalonica faced a hostile world. So do we. The specific threats have changed, but the reality of injustice, oppression, and suffering remains. The temptation to despair is strong. But Paul's prayer reminds us that we are not alone and that our hope is not in a future escape from reality but in a God who is active in the world and in us, bringing about restoration.

So let us pray, not for vengeance, but for strength. Let us pray, not for an end to our struggle, but for the courage to endure, Let us pray that our faith grows, our love abounds, and our lives become a testament to the transformative power of Gods grace, And as we pray, let us remember that what we hope for truly shapes what we live for.

The way we worship is the way we live.

Worship is the work of the people, bringing together our fullest selves in a communal act of love and gratitude.  Each voice is important; each person is valued as the Spirit draws out our authentic gifts and talents, shared in the ever-widening circle of God’s people.  We hope you’ll join us this week as we gather to worship the God of extravagant welcome.