ALOHA FROM PASTOR DAVE

Every month, at the end of the Men’s Hui (Group) meeting, the last question that gets asked is, “How can we be praying for you?” We then go around the circle, with each person responding with some part of their life that they would appreciate the rest of us praying for over the next few weeks. Throughout the years that this group has met, a real sense of trust has been built amongst those who come to these meetings – to the point that many of the participants are willing to share significant concerns with the rest of the group as they ask for prayer. This seemingly simple activity has brought an amazing closeness and openness to this group, not to mention the fact that we have grasped the importance of prayer in our lives.
At the September meeting of the Hukilau Conference pastors, I asked the same question of my colleagues. We typically take time to go around the circle of pastors that are present, asking each one to share about what’s taking place at the congregation they’re serving, as well as in their personal life. When we started that, I asked everyone to do what we do at the end of the Men’s Hui meetings – “Finish up your sharing by telling us how we might be able to be praying for you over the next month.” The overall response was amazing. Some of the clergy took the opportunity to share significant matters that were weighing heavy on them, that they would appreciate the rest of the group praying about. I also received feedback afterward from some of the pastors about how meaningful that was to have to answer the question, and hear how others responded.
All of this has reminded me once again of not only the importance of prayer, but it’s power. Throughout many of Paul’s letters in the New Testament he let’s his readers know that he is praying for them. In addition, he asks them to be praying for him. The whole matter of praying for one another is so central to our Christian faith. When was the last time you asked someone to pray for you? Or better yet, when was the last time you asked someone how you might pray for them? Or even better yet, when was the last time you asked someone how you might pray for them, and then took the time, right then and there, to do so?
A French Catholic priest and poet by the name of Michal Quoist entitles a section of his book (entitled “Prayers”) “All of Life Would Become Prayer”. I get what he’s trying to say. Prayer should be a part of everything we do, and is to be found in the midst of all of our relationships. We should be praying for everyone around us, and encouraging others to be praying for us. For when we pray, we are confessing our belief in God and his presence with us. It’s not a magic wand that we wave and then receive everything we want or ask for. However, it is a way for us to be assured that God is present in every aspect of our lives.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul calls upon us to pray continually (without ceasing). How about giving that a try? Wherever you are, whatever you’re in the midst of, be found praying through the words you speak and the thoughts you have. Let all of life be a prayer.

Ke Akua me ke Aloha,

Pastor Dave Krueger