PRAY-ZAC?

The late Doug Marlette (d. 2007) was an honored editorial cartoonist for several newspapers. He also drew a comic strip named “Kudzu” which chronicled the adventures of an imaginary pastor named Will B. Dunn. (Some of the Kudzu strips still run in contemporary publications.)

In some of the strips Rev. Dunn experiments with “pray-zac,” a takeoff on the widely popular antidepressant Prozac. The theory behind pray-zac is that sufficient and sincere prayer will give one a spiritual and emotional uplift and a peace that passes all understanding. Pastor Dunn does an experiment and finds that it is true.

Many of us have also found it to be true. Particularly in times of depression, stress or challenge, prayer has been that which uplifted us, gave us joy in the midst of the circumstance, and a peace that really does surpass understanding. We know what Christians across the centuries have known. And it is described by Paul in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Try pray-zac. You’ll love it.

 

Grace and Peace

ASH WEDNESDAY

              Some of my preacher friends were discussing Ash Wednesday services in their various churches. My though was “What do Baptists have to do with Ash Wednesday?” Such observances began in the Roman Catholic Church in the ninth century. During the reformation the practice did not transfer to the protestant churches but over the years it became popular in the liturgical ones (Episcopal, Presbyterian, etc.). As a child growing up in a Baptist church, which was very formal but not liturgical, I never knew of Ash Wednesday or Lent until I studied them in school.

            The explanation of the ritual is that ashes in the form of a cross on one’s forehead represent mourning and repentance, recognition of our mortality, and the beginning of the forty days of self denial which is Lent.

            I have no problem with the observance. One Catholic source claims that more people attend the Ash Wednesday service than attend at Christmas or Easter. The practice has become so popular ashes are offered on street corners and in drive-thrus.

If someone asks me what I am giving up for Lent, however, I reply, “Nothing.”  The call of Christ to self denial has no time limit. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”  (Matthew 16:24)

 

Grace and Peace

CENTRAL PARK BAPTIST CHURCH

              Something you seldom see is a unanimous vote in smaller Baptist congregations on matters of great change to programs or facilities. I saw such a vote Sunday morning, February 23rd. The congregation of Central Park Baptist voted to enter discussions with the Birmingham Baptist Foundation concerning the foundation using the property of the church as a hub for Missions in the western section of Birmingham. This conversation will begin very soon.

            There was a real sense of unity in the Holy Spirit, the “sweet, sweet spirit in this place” we often sing about. The Spirit had led each member to conclude that this was the direction in which He was leading us. As pastor I am extremely grateful for the unity and the anticipation demonstrated in the vote. After walking with the congregation these four and a half years and joining with them in seeking a way forward into the future, and trying several false starts, I believe we are on the same page as God.

            In view of the glorious history of the church as a leading congregation in Birmingham and particularly on the west side of the city, I am excited in contemplating the expanding ministry at this place led by the foundation. Please pray for the discussions which will take place. And pray that God will use this campus as a continuing lighthouse for our Lord Jesus Christ in west Birmingham and beyond.

            ^” Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” (Mark 11:24)

 

Grace and Peace