Reflections by the Rev. Lou Hays - A Prayer for the Rector Search Process

Our worship services at St. Paul’s will now include this special prayer from the Book of Common Prayer for the Rector search process:

“Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (BCP 818)

The prayer is full of grace and beauty. “Almighty God, giver of every good gift.” We begin with an acknowledgment that God is in charge and suggests, I believe, that one of God’s good gifts will be a successful search process.

“Look graciously on your Church” reminds us that the Church is the people, not the building. We are praying for every person at St. Paul’s – Vestry member, Rector Search Committee member, and all parishioners. And, since the word is not preceded by either “St. Paul’s” or “Episcopal,” we are also praying for every Christian around the world.

“Guide the minds” reminds us that this is a discernment process, seeking to determine who God would have serve as the next rector of St. Paul’s: a “faithful pastor who will care for your people and equip them for their ministries.” This is a brief but powerful summary of a rector’s responsibilities.

As people of God, we have hope and faith that God will guide the rector search process from beginning to end and bring St. Paul’s the right person to lead the parish into and through the next season of this parish. You are fortunate to have faithful and able co-chairs and members of the Rector Search Committee. I encourage you to read the article found elsewhere in this issue that provides important information about the search process, and watch for updates in our various publications.

Please note that a vitally important part of the search process is about to take place starting Saturday, May 21 with several opportunities for input from the congregation. I hope most members of St. Paul’s will share their hopes and dreams for the future of your parish at one of the information gathering sessions.

In conclusion, please keep the Rector Search Committee members and St. Paul’s in your daily prayers.

Blessings,