Brothers and Sisters:

My prayers precede those who will parlay in Indianapolis for the perpetuation of our episcopacy, known as "African Methodism."

I pray that God grant grace to those assembled in righteousness for the building of his kingdom on Earth, and I pray that he reveal, rebuke and redeem those whose secret agendas may mock His mission, while giving it lip service.

I pray that God grant administrative acumen and reform to our Bishops, i.e., "Judges," wherein all are "First among Equals;" that He reveal a point person worthy of being denoted our head, with real power.

I pray that the spirit of love and accountability permeate the premises, as each delegate, and the aggregation, en banc, remembers s/he is a fiduciary, a proxy for those saints groaning and sighing for the scales to fall away and for the veil to be lifted.

I pray that a spirit of moderation, temperance, and patience prevail and that there be debate without discord, and resolution without dissolution.

I pray that our legislation uplift "the least of these," our little bitty churches, urban, suburban, rural, while affording breathing room and flexibility to our mega-churches, yet yielding fairness and equity to those churches in between.

I pray that God give us the practical wisdom to develop financial sheets which really and truly reflect actual income, and actual expenditures and which show the amount of money, if any, which has been paid to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, house the homeless, comfort widows and orpahsns, rehabilitate prisoners, give scholarships to students, build up and beauty the community, and/or to educate our people.

I pray, I pray, I pray, I pray. . . . for our Zion In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Larry D. Coleman

-- Anonymous, June 28, 2004

Answers

Well spoken. Well said. Well prayed. AMEN.

-- Anonymous, June 29, 2004

Amen!

-- Anonymous, June 29, 2004

Thank you so much for the prayer Rev. Coleman. We serve a God who answers prayer, and I am so grateful to Him.

-- Anonymous, June 29, 2004

Parson Coleman -

Your petition is reminescent of the rich Biblical prayer heritage recorded in II Chronicles 7:14. May both our leaders and loyal laypersons give utterance and heed. QED

-- Anonymous, June 29, 2004

Bill,

While you are at G-Con, please stop by the Leath for Bishop booth. I am unable to attend the conference, but say hello to the folks from Philly. God bless and safe travels to you and your family.

-- Anonymous, June 29, 2004