A Convention in Prayer

 The outside of the prayer center 

at the LCMS Southeastern District Convention

 in Hickory, North Carolina.

  The Joanne Fink wrapping paper 

served as the beginning

 for the prayers for churches, 

circuits, pastors and delegates.

Throughout the year at SED events 

many people have added names and prayers 

and colored in the images in prayer time.

Visual Prayer becomes story.

Tables at the back of the conventional 

had prayer pages ready for people to stop by

 for a bit of prayer time. 

There were also Concordia Publishing House

 donated Bible margins 

from the new Enduring Words Bible 

for people to color and take. 

Bible verse cards 

were used to pray for and bless those

 who served us at the convention hotels.

 The convention delegates participate

 in 4 --15 minutes sessions using Listening Prayer 

and a section of Scripture 

for discerning God's Will in the convention.

Conventions can be a challenging order to keep in line with the ticking clock.

By using the hour of prayer time- 

the convention adjourned 2 1/2 hours early.

The Scripture was read around

 the individual tables 

and then discussion 

and finally prayer time for each of the sessions.

At the preconvention dinner 

hosted by St. John's Lutheran Church

 in Conover, North Carolina, 

the Vice Presidents and Board of Directors 

prayed over John and convention proceedings.

I am very thankful that prayer 
is such a central focus 
for how we live together, 
approach ministry and give thanks to God
for His great care and blessings.
May the Glory be His!