Dakotas alternates Matthew Bader and Reverend Roger Spahr are attending the Special Session of the General Conference in Saint Louis, Missouri. As they are witnessing the first day of committee reports and prioritizing of petitions, they want to share their prayers with you.

Lay alternate Matthew Bader. File Photo.

Here is lay reserve delegate Matthew Bader's prayer:

"Come, Holy Spirit, Come. During this time of General Conference, may You center our hearts and minds so that Your will may be done. Help us to remember that we are yours; created by you and loved by you.  Allow us to be a witness of your love and grace to show that even though we are not of one opinion, we are of one heart. We pray the you pour out your blessings upon General Conference as we seek to build Your kingdom here. Amen."

Clergy alternate Rev. Roger Spahr. File Photo.

Here is clergy reserve delegate  Reverend Roger Spahr's prayer:

“The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.”  Romans 14:22 

"Gracious God, we come as a denomination of your church very divided by strong convictions that seemingly have no easy and instant way of being brought together.  We recognize that convictions are good, for there is no true faith without strong convictions.  Yet, we humbly recognize that only you hold all wisdom and truth, and only in you can we find a way to live together and love perfectly.  In these coming days we pray for your Spirit to show us your direction through this valley of discernment.  We live ultimately for the Glory of your Name and not for the victory of our chosen sides, so we humble ourselves before your throne as we seek your will for your people called United Methodists. Amen."

The process of reviewing  church policy regarding homosexualtiy has begun at this special called session. We ask for your continuous support of our delegation in thoughts and prayers.