While sitting in silence with the reading for today, I am reminded to pray for Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, whose recent death sentence has filled the news reports in recent days. What the writers of Common Prayer have said of another historic instance of religious persecution is true of this case as well: "it is a reminder that extremists of all faiths have distorted the best that our faiths have to offer, and it is our prayer that a new generation of extremists for love and grace will rise up" (p. 158). In this and every season, Pastor Nadarkhani's story is a stark example of the cost of discipleship in many parts of the world. In faith, he is refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection (Hebrews 11:35).
Let us pray for Pastor Nadarkhani, his wife and children, and for those who intend to carry out his sentencing. May God guide them through the wilderness; protect them through the storm. To paraphrase the saying from Mother Theresa today, it would not take much to show great love in this case. Let us also pray for humility, forgiveness, and wisdom to reign in the hearts of those who would be inclined to retaliate; either with the tongue or with the sword. O Lord, restrain our feet from every evil way (Ps. 119:101).
With quiet commitment...
Welcome to the conversation! For as long as our own discipline will allow, I hope to use this resource as a forum for prayer and reflection for the community of Perdido Bay United Methodist Church. We'll be working through Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals as our daily devotional guide. Since we're beginning the journey on Ash Wednesday, the hope is that this will be an additional venue for us to pray together throughout this holy season.
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