Deep into a conversation on courage and curiosity with the Rev. Dr. Lee Hinson-Hasty of the Presbyterian Foundation during Wednesday’s edition of “Leading Theologically,” the Rev. Dr. Asa J. Lee, president of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, noted this truth about the plight of preachers everywhere: “People don’t like it,” Lee said, “when we preach the gospel that requires us to do things that we don’t want to do.”
Howard Thurman, an author, theologian and civil rights leader, once wrote what impressed him the most about Jesus’ disciples was the fact that the only thing recorded that they asked of him was to teach them how to pray. Prayer is a lifeline to God, yet many people struggle with the “how to.” As church buildings reopen, there’s a trend among Presbyterians who are looking for ways to provide a space and place to nurture the act of praying. Some pastors are breathing new life into dusty church libraries that have become obsolete, while others are finding little alcoves to create prayer rooms.