By Robin Linkhart of Longmont, Colorado USA

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.

I was a seventy called to serve in a place I had never lived. Many seekers were reaching out online, searching for a spiritual home. In our connections with a few people, we saw significant possibility, but the details of how to transform potential into tangible expressions of God’s love and invitation seemed elusive. There was no map detailing the road ahead. I must admit there were times I completely identified with being sent out “like lambs into the midst of wolves” as described in Luke 10 when Jesus sends the seventy.

I was, however, confident of God’s call to mission and continued to receive affirming witness that this was where the church should be. I leaned heavily on the promise found in Matthew 28, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” I could not see the road ahead, but I was confident that God would provide enough light for the next step. Step by step, I went on my way.

Jesus’ instructions to the seventy served me well: share words of peace; remain with the people; pray for the sick; eat together; allow the good news of God’s reign to flow naturally in the sacred space of relationships born.

I spent time with the people and listened. I attended a women’s forum hosted at the local university. I agreed to be interviewed on a podcast about female ordination and Community of Christ’s journey. I began to meet people who wanted to know more, and I explored ways to create safe space and invite others to share.

When I allowed myself to rest in the promise of God’s presence and invite people to share at table, I discovered the mystery of love incarnate in the simple act of breaking bread and listening as people shared the stories of their lives with me. Together we discovered the joy in sharing our true selves and exploring the path forward. For many, that path has led them to the spiritual home their soul yearned for: Community of Christ.

Prayer Phrase

“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Intercessory Reflection

Sit quietly with your eyes closed as you enter intercessory reflection and prayer. Ask God to bring people who need prayer to your mind and heart. Be open to images of the people or spiritual insight into their needs. Listen for signals from their lives and let the depth of God’s love for them become powerful and real to you. Write, speak, or think a prayer of blessing and healing for these much–loved disciples and friends. Ask God to help you see ways to affirm and support them when you meet them in daily life.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.