From The Desk of Deacon Judy
Prayer, Service, Evangelism
Last Saturday several of the Daughters of the King (DOK) from St. James and I joined Daughters from around the diocese for the Fall Assembly held at St. Luke’s in Jacksonville, Alabama.
The Diocesan DOK Chaplain, the Reverend Marge Doyle, led us in a lovely Morning Prayer service. We prayerfully considered the business of the Daughters. We then welcomed our guest speaker, the Reverend Russ Levenson, who guided us in the way of prayer, highlighting the central role of prayer in our lives and in the lives of a number of rather famous people. We closed with Holy Eucharist in the church.
Reverend Russ, as Rector of St. Martin’s in Houston, had the privilege of ministering to President George HW and Barbara Bush during the last two decades of their lives. He offered the homily at their funerals. His book, Witness to Dignity, reveals how President Bush and “Bar” were quietly grounded in their faith, a faith in God that led to wise, discerning decisions and a care for the greater good.
Reverend Russ mentioned a few other famous people whose quiet faith prepared them to share their God-given gifts. One Sunday, Lady Gaga slipped into the back of St. Martin’s at an 8:00 am service, choosing time with God before she wowed audiences at the Super Bowl. Astronaut Gene Cernan partook of Holy Communion, giving thanks to God, the moment he landed on the moon.
Reverend Russ offered many scriptures which focused us to center on God. He invited us to write our own prayer that we could whisper throughout the day to live into our call to pray without ceasing.
Reverend Russ reminded us of the many forms of prayer we know from our prayer book – praise, adoration, thanksgiving, petition – the talking prayers. More importantly he encouraged us to remember silent time with God – the listening prayers. We have different ways to invite God into our hearts, to consent to God in those quiet times. Some sit quietly on a porch by the lake. Some choose centering prayer. Others prefer a contemplative walk in nature. Others may find calming music to quiet their minds and hearts.
The Daughters of the King take a vow of prayer, service, and evangelism. Daughters support the priest through prayer. At St. James, the Daughters pray constantly for those on our parish prayer list. They also support Father Rob and the private prayer requests that he may receive.
Grounded in prayer, Daughters serve God in a variety of ways, often unnoticed and behind the scenes, each day guided by “Lord, what will you have me do?”
Most likely you have noticed the special cross that Daughters wear, a reminder of their vows, a commitment to Christ and His Church. The Order of the Daughters of the King has been going strong since 1885, 140 years.
If you are curious to learn more, ask a Daughter. Martha Dee White is President of the Grace Chapter at St. James and is Diocesan DOK Membership Chairman.
May prayer guide our lives to equip us all to love and serve the Lord.
For His Sake, Judy Q+
