Tuesday, July 1, Page 4

Praying the Labyrinth

Seattle First FMC set up a classic prayer labyrinth in their sanctuary for those who want to experience an age-old prayer exercise that is being revived in many parts of the world. Pray-ers listen to a recorded guide as they move through a series of stations, each with a particular focus. Succeeding stations help the pray-er move inward from life's distractions into God's presence, then outward into reconnection with the world (now with a renewed sense of calling). The prayer labyrinth is a perfect companion to GC 2003's theme of moving "into the neighborhood."

[Roll mouse over photo.] Listening to the labyrinth CD, a participant enters into a time of prayer and contemplation. Each unique station in the prayer labyrinth allows a participant to stop, listen to the labyrinth guide, contemplate and pray.

Today's Prayer Guide:
On the Election of Bishops

May all our elected bishops be set apart to be shepherds of the portion of God's flock that is under their care, ready to serve as overseers — not because they must, but because they are willing, as God wants them to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not having it within them to lord it over those entrusted to them, but ready to be examples to the flock. So that when the Chief Shepherd appears, they will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

May they be people who are submissive to those who are older and clothe themselves with humility toward one another (as we all should), because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

May they be people who humble themselves (as we all should) under God's mighty hand that He may lift them up in due time. May they be people knowing to cast all their anxieties on Him because they know He cares for them.

May they be people who are self-controlled and alert — knowing that their enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. May they be people who resist him, standing firm in the faith, because they know that their brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings (2 Peter 5:2-9).

May those chosen to be bishops know they desire a noble task. Help those who are electing them to choose people who are above reproach, being committed to only one spouse, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not lovers of money. May they choose people who manage their own families well and see that their children obey them with proper respect. May those elected not be recent converts, for they may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. May each one chosen have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he or she will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

May we keep in mind that those in leadership are to be people worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve. In the same way, their spouses are to be people worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. May each who serves well know that he or she will gain an excellent standing and great assurance in his or her faith in Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 3:1-13).