“Seek the well-being of the city
to which I have called you,
and pray to the Lord on its behalf,
for in its well-being
is your well-being.”
Jeremiah 29:7
The phrase “well-being of the city” is only one possible translation of the Hebrew word, “shalom.” Jeremiah literally said, “seek the shalom of the city.”
Shalom is a very rich word in the Hebrew scriptures, and it is variously translated as peace, well‑being, security, health, or prosperity.
To seek the shalom of the city is to seek that which is best for all its people, because in the shalom of the city, we will find our individual shalom.
This is the text that was read when Rev. Abraham Blumer, pastor of Zion’s church, spoke to the local militia as they prepared to vote in favor of independence on May 27, 1776. And this is the text that inspires us even today at Zion’s church. In addition to our worship and ministries to our members, we partner with these organizations, each of which in its own way is seeking the well-being of the city:
Invocation at the Memorial Plaque for the Homeless December 21, 2016
Loving God, as we dedicate this plaque
in memory of those whose names are included here,
we also dedicate ourselves to remembering ALL those
who too often are forgotten, neglected and ignored in our society:
women and men, boys and girls
who are without a home,
who may find shelter for the night
but who too often wander from place to place during the day;
for all those who survive in the margins of our municipalities,
and live at the edges of our advancing city projects.
Bless the work of the street medical teams and all those
who offer charitable care and tangible help;
strengthen those who offer their friendship,
their emotional support and encouragement;
and prosper those who build community among people
who often feel they are outcasts from our community.
Loving God, when we leave this place
and get on with our busy lives,
pull us away from our tendency to complacency,
and push us into compassionate commitment,
that we may continue to press for programs and advocate for laws
that eliminate homelessness and poverty.
Blessed are you, O Lord God,
sovereign of the universe and champion of the poor. Amen.
Invocation at the Annual Meeting of the Allentown Chamber of Commerce May 18, 2016
Gracious God, in gratitude for this beautiful day
and this bountiful food we will enjoy,
we give you thanks.
Indeed we would thank you for every blessing
that shines upon us and upon our city.
We ask your blessing upon the work
of the Allentown Chamber of Commerce,
its Board, its staff and volunteers, and its partners.
We are thankful, too, for the commitment of the people in this room:
their commitment to one another and their commitment to our city.
We pray that you would bless our city with success,
so that it may be a place where residents and retailers,
employees and owners,
people of all faiths, languages and colors,
may enjoy prosperity
in a city where we protect and promote the common good.
O God, kindle within us all the desire and the ability
to work together for shared goals.
Blessed are you, O Lord God, giver of all good gifts. Amen.
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Links to previously posted prayers are found below.
