A Prayer for the 2021 Iowa Annual Conference

O Creator and Redeemer God, in a few days we will gather in your presence and as your faithful disciples at the 2021 Iowa Annual Conference. In 1744, your servants John and Charles Wesley first met with a few clergy to consider how they should proceed to save their own souls and those who heard them. They quickly agreed to invite the lay preachers who were in the house to join them.

277 years later, ever-renewing God, you are still bringing us together as United Methodists every year — all connected in Christ and watching over one another in love — to worship, fellowship, learn, conference together, and leave inspired to share our love and hope in our communities, state, and world. As we prepare our hearts and minds to be transformed by this annual conference, we pray:

• For all those behind the scenes who enable our virtual annual conference to run smoothly
• For our preachers, presenters, musicians, worship leaders, who bring us God’s Word and invite us to respond fruitfully
• For wisdom in our collective discernment and decision-making
• For all of our local churches as well as district and conference ministries
• For a fresh outpouring of your Holy Spirit, that it will renew our annual conference and that we will be inspired to witness to your unending grace and hope by our words and actions.

“This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.” (John 13:35 CEB)
 
Bishop Laurie Haller