e-HUM Bishop -- May 2003

May 2003

Words from the Bishop

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Reflections from the bishop:

Join me in a Yearlong Season of Prayer

Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote:

"More things are wrought by prayer
than this world dreams of."

Christians and others of faith should know this well!
Prayer has been my abiding place, especially in these years as a bishop.

In my childhood home and early formation, prayer was more than a perfunctory act. My earliest and most cherished memories are Sunday morning prayers in grandmother's house where I spent my summers. In that little village on the Eastern Shore of Maryland it was the custom to have Sunday morning prayers in the parlor or living room before going to church.

Shades were drawn, everyone knelt at a particular chair, and grandmother or grandfather would pray intense and moving prayers - often accompanied by tears. They were mostly prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving.

This pattern of prayer continued when Kim and I married and had our family. The mode was not as important as was the place of prayer in my life.

However, as a bishop, - prayer took on its greatest significance.

I was genuinely reluctant and resistant to assume leadership as a bishop. Mine was no false sense of modesty, but an acknowledgement of my profound sense of inadequacy and, yes, unworthiness. I had so many doubts. I felt that I could never measure up to bishops I knew and admired.

Despite my fears, anxiety, and uncertainty, I was elected and consecrated a bishop. At that moment, I promised God that I would only attempt the awesome task of leadership with a constant and abiding relationship with the One I knew could and would sustain me in this leadership responsibility. I became a person of constant - not occasional - prayer.

Prayer has made and does make a difference in my life. Prayer is not magic. Prayer is neither a substitute for hard work and preparation, nor a substitute for making difficult decisions. All my ministry and life are nurtured and formed in the context of prayer.

I continue to be amazed in the ways God "answers" prayer. Former President Jimmy Carter once said:

"God answers all prayers.
Sometimes the answer is yes.
Sometimes the answer is no.
Sometimes the answer is,
You've got to be kidding!"

I recently met with nearly 200 lay and clergy persons from across Indiana for a time of prayer, reflection and "holy" conversation. I shared with them my deep concern and hope for the coming General Conference in the spring of 2004 followed in the summer by Jurisdictional Conference. Now in a matter of days each Indiana Conference will elect delegates to both of these important conferences.

Like many of you, I am mindful that I am entering my final year as your bishop, and on September 1, 2004, a new episcopal leader will begin ministry here in Indiana.

Could there be a better time for the United Methodist of the Indiana Area to be in intentional and intense prayer? So I invite you as pastors and congregations across Indiana to join in a Yearlong Season of Prayer. Join me as we:

Pray for the North and South Indiana Annual Conferences as each faces new challenges and opportunities for service and ministry;
Pray for the clergy and laity who will be elected by the North and South Indiana Conferences as delegates to the General Conference and to the Jurisdictional Conference where bishops will be elected and assigned to Episcopal Areas;
Pray for the new bishop who will give leadership to the Indiana Area for the next quadrennium;
Pray for growth and spiritual vitality in the Indiana Area under the leadership of a new episcopal leader;
Pray for The United Methodist Church that it will be an instrument of God in all places;
Pray for a world of peace, justice and reconciliation; and
Pray above all else that "...Christ be lifted up till all shall serve Him."

Tennyson was right. "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of."

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May 2003

Reflections from the bishop:

Join me in a Yearlong Season of Prayer