Baptism

Baptism is one of those aspects of our faith that we don't talk enough about as adults.  We may if we have children or grandchildren that we want to be sure are welcomed into the family of Christ.  We also may not even have that concept, we may just want them "done", because we have been told it's important.

The Baptismal Covenant has always been a central tenant to my theology.  There are concepts in it that I can not completely explain.  But I know that it is a foundation to the faith tradition that I have claimed as my own.  With each question the response reminds us that we can only live into this path with God's help.  With each response there is no question that we will falter, but that when we do, if we turn to God, help will be there.

Recently I came upon a prayer that could be used with the Baptismal covenant.  It was written by Reginald Hollis,  It is encouraged to be shared if acknowledgment to the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer is given.  I share it with you today as a way to reflect on how our Baptism whether as a child or as an adult, calls us to discipleship.  Take time to reflect on the questions and wonder........ where is calling you today?

Praying the Baptismal Covenant

Do you believe in God the Father, in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and in God the Holy Spirit? 

Our God, 

it’s one thing to say the creed

but another to put my trust in you.  

Help me to live with the assurance that you are my Father

and that nothing can separate me from your love,

trusting in your forgiveness expressed in Jesus

and looking to your Spirit to make me your person. 

Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? 

Our God, I know I was not meant to go it alone

because you created the church

to be a supportive family for your children. 

And I know the church is made up of people like me

--so it isn’t perfect!

Help me to play my part in the church, 

so I can learn from the teaching,

be encouraged by the fellowship,

be renewed in the Eucharist,

and find strength for living each day through prayer.

Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? 

Our God, 

You understand that sometimes 

I do things I never intended to do. 

My sorrow doesn’t put it all right. 

Neither can I use y weakness as an excuse. 

Help me

to begin anew, 

to experience your forgiveness

and to walk again in Jesus’ way. 

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good news of God in Christ? 

Our God 

help me to live the way jesus called me to live. 

may my actions speak louder than my words

of your love and of new life in Jesus. 

At the same time, help me rise above my own stumbling speech

and give me the words to express what I believe.

Let me be a witness to the Truth. 

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? 

Our God, 

all too often I have looked at people 

in a very superficial way. 

Help me begin to see them with your eyes,

knowing that every person is created 

in your image, 

as your child. 

If jesus died for that person,

how can I despise him? 

Give me a new love that reaches out to everyone

because Jesus died for all.  

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? 

Our God, 

I don’t want my attitudes to be shaped

by the injustices that mar society, 

by the discrimination, greed, and lust 

that spoil relationships. 

In Jesus

color does not count,

wealth carries no weight,

and gender is not important. 

Help me to live in Jesus,

to see people through his eyes,

and work for the harmony

that reflects your kingdom. 

*Praying the Baptismal Covenant” by Reginald Hollis c. 1993,  

may be reproduced with acknowledgment to the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer.