By Pastor Deb Stehlin
On Sunday, the people of Grace Lutheran Church in Apple Valley voted to call me as their senior pastor. They did this even though I warned them that choosing me means they’re getting an evangelist. As I begin the spiritual work of letting go of my current platform for evangelism, it occurs to me that the practice of inviting people to experience something of Jesus is deeply connected to letting go.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Church puts it this way: “Evangelism … is about sharing the journey into a deeper relationship with God and each other, and not about us controlling the end result. It’s not increasing our market share, and it’s not just propping up the institution. If we believe the relationship with a living God does matter, and that loving relationship with each other matters, then evangelism and anything that helps us to come closer as human children of God matters.”
“Evangelism … is about sharing the journey into a deeper relationship with God and each other, and not about us controlling the end result.”
Here’s a true story, but I changed the names: Dee invited Joan to her congregation four times over two years. Each time she made an invitation, Dee did so without (much) desire to control Joan’s response. One day, it was the right time for Joan to say yes. And that “yes” saved her life. Joan told me that during a time when she battled depression and suicide ideation, it was relationships in the community and re-kindled connection with God that gave her what she needed in order to keep on living.
MY SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR introduced me to a prayer that’s helping me to develop the practice of letting go. (He’s awesome; private message me if you want to connect with him.)
Welcoming Prayer
Welcome, welcome, welcome.
I welcome everything that comes to me today
because I know it’s for my healing.
I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons,
situations, and conditions.
I let go of my desire for power and control.
I let go of my desire for affection, esteem,
approval, and pleasure.
I let go of my desire for survival and security.
I let go of my desire to change any situation,
condition, person, or myself.
I open to the love and presence of God and
God’s action within. Amen.
Mary Mrozowski of Brooklyn, New York – one of the first leaders of centering prayer – developed the method; and Father Thomas Keating developed it further. I’ve been praying this prayer upon waking each morning – and need it throughout the day, too!