Thought I would share this link to Rev. Robert Austell’s recent comments, as well as a link to his compilation of responses to the passage of amendment 10-A by the presbyteries (here). At that site, he also provides the text of a prayer he used to close the Friday plenary session of the 218th (2008) General Assembly, which strikes me as potentially of benefit to many of us:
Heavenly Father,
We are divided on much. Chances are that the person beside us will vote differently on significant issues, passionately held. It is so easy to see one another as “the enemy” and yet you declare those who hope in the Lord Jesus Christ to be family.
You declare it – in Christ, we are one family! Yet, we struggle so to experience it! Some of us believe truth is at stake; some of us believe justice is at stake; some of us distrust each other, and we struggle with other issues that would drive us apart. Some will leave rejoicing; some will leave in sorrow; some will not know what they feel.
What hope do we have apart from your grace through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? What hope? Grace seems a fragile flower in a room full of elephants.
Give us a vision for your grace – unconditional, true, winsome, and strong. Help us see the person on our left and on our right, not as the enemy, but like us, a broken son or daughter for whom Christ has died. Help us cling to your Word and live in your Spirit.
We ask it in Jesus’ name, Amen!
