Henri Nouwen: Human Solidarity

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Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

“We often wonder what we can do for others, especially for those in great need. It is not a sign of powerlessness when we say: “We must pray for one another.” To pray for one another is, first of all, to acknowledge, in the presence of God, that we belong to each other as children of the same God. Without this acknowledgement of human solidarity, what we do for one another does not flow from who we truly are. We re brothers and sisters, not competitors or rivals. We are children of one God, not partisans of different gods.”

Henri Nouwen in Here and Now: Living in the Spirit (New York: Crossroad, 1994) 22.

I’ve switched from reading one of my favorite ancient authors, Basil of Caesarea, to one of my favorite modern ones. Henri Nouwen. I hope the readings this week inspire you!

Praying for people in great need is not a “sign of powerlessness” but rather an acknowledgement that we belong to each other and that we are standing together in “human solidarity” with and for each other.

Do you see needs around you?
Pray for God’s grace on them and provision for them, and call others to pray. This is how we care for each other as brothers and sisters.

I am praying for 14 more new givers to GTP in the next 3 days. Join me in praying for this and click here if you feel led to give. If we hit the goal we find out about a major grant in August.