"Forgetful of Past Ill Will" - Letter to My Congregation
The following is what I wrote and sent to my congregation this past week: Many years ago, an Anglican churchman compiled a spiral booklet that has supplemental seasonal prayers that focus on missions, evangelism, service, and giving. It’s titled “Spend and Be Spent”. I doubt it’s still in print anywhere, but I have an old copy that I have used for about 15 years. The supplemental prayer for the First Sunday in Advent is drawn from an ancient 5 th Century liturgy and is attached to passages from Romans 12: “ Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality ” (12:9-13). This supplemental prayer addresses God’s love, and how that should impact our interactions. I feel li...