For March, Sr Doris Horn (Germany and former DIAKONIA President) has written this short encouraging reflection.
DIAKONIA Prayer Letter March 2020
I just found this meaningful sentence about prayer:
Prayer does not replace action. But it is an action, that can not be replaced by any other. (H. v. Keler)
While I am preparing this prayer letter, so many bad news are filling the news on the TV – a massacre in a Shisha-Bar in Hanau, Germany, escalating fights in Syria, grasshopper plague in Kenia, riots in Iraq during election, danger of a pandemic through Corona virus….
Fear fills my heart as I watch and listen to so much hatred, racism, disaster.
We just started Lent season, fasting time for many Christians all over the world.
The German churches each year prepare a theme: ‘Seven weeks without…’
2020: ‘seven weeks’ confidence – ‘without’ pessimism.
Not being pessimistic in view of all that I mentioned before; is that possible?
It is, as Paul points out in his letter to the Corinthians that in Jesus` suffering, death and resurrection there is faith, hope, love – everlasting life!
What we, what the world needs is this kind of confidence that grows out of faith, hope and love. Pessimism is a sure problem and never leads to a solution. It only leads deeper into frustration, hopelessness, depression. During my visits to Rwanda I experienced how this principle of confidence, faith, hope and love changes and renews a nation.
Look up, have confidence, trust and know that in Christ Jesus all things are possible!
Be confident and strong.
May this Lent season fill us with confidence and trust.A song about confidence and trust (M. Ledner)
You are my hiding placeYou always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You
Let the weak say I am strong
In the strength of the Lord
Sr. Doris Horn, Germany, former DIAKONIA President
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 