General Assembly Theme
By General Minister and President, Sharon Watkins | March 21, 2013
Our Disciples mission is to be and to share the good news of
Jesus Christ. We’re a pragmatic, active people who partner
easily with others to make life better for our neighbors. As a movement for
wholeness, we extend God’s welcome to all at the Lord’s Table. We’re people who
like to “do” as we extend welcome and seek wholeness.
Sometimes, though, we get too busy to pray. Sometimes we are
active in our community out of muscle memory (knowing we should and knowing
how, but neglecting the “why”). We get a bit disconnected from God and from
each other. Eventually our commitment to mission lags.
In the gospel of
Luke,
the original disciples cry out, “Lord, Teach Us to Pray.” They’ve already been
busy preaching and prophesying and healing in
Jesus’
name. Their desire for prayer this far into their ministry reminds us that our
motivation for action comes from our vital relationship with the living
Christ. Our energy for mission comes from the Spirit of God.
We are fueled for our mission by a life of communicating with God through
prayer.
The 2013 General Assembly theme, “Lord, Teach Us to Pray,” calls
us to pray deeply for God’s direction, strength, courage, and initiative in
mission. It offers the opportunity for praying communities of Disciples to
connect with each other as the family of God.
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