Entering prayer's simple moments

29Aug
They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.’ And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, ‘Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.’ 
-Mark 14:32-36


Recently, prayer has captured my heart in a new way. I’ve never considered myself an especially devoted "pray-er” - my practice was mostly before meals or at bedtime. But lately, I’ve found myself in moments where prayer simply wells up from within.


These prayers aren’t planned or polished. They come as I walk my daughter into childcare, while driving home with my kids in the backseat, or at the dinner table as my four-year-old offers his own prayers. I’ve been blessed, too, by my wife’s prayers as we end our day together.


Prayer is such a simple act, yet that very simplicity often makes it feel intimidating. Too often, we measure our spiritual lives against others and carry unnecessary shame. But Jesus never called us to perfection—only to be awake and ready when God stirs us to action. I don’t believe God is angry when we drift in our practices; I believe God delights when we offer our best and embrace the moments for prayer that come our way.


May we notice those moments today, and enter into them with joy.


Musical Reflection - Centering Prayer - The Porter's Gate


O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Family LifeGraceGospelJoyPrayerPentecost

Posted by The Reverend Robert B. Hadzor

Bobby has served as the chaplain of Trinity Episcopal School since 2012 and as an Assisting Priest of Trinity Episcopal Church since 2018. He grew up in Dallas, Pennsylvania before moving to Franklin, Tennessee as a teenager. He attended Belmont University in Nashville where he graduated (2007) with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with a minor in Philosophy.

Bobby attended Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina where he graduated (2010) with a Masters of Divinity and an Anglican Studies Certificate from Duke Divinity’s Anglican House of Studies. During his time in seminary, he joined the Episcopal Church and was confirmed (2009) at St. Joseph's Episcopal in Durham, North Carolina by then Bishop of North Carolina, The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry.

Following his work in seminary, Bobby moved to Boston where he worked for the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. He spent a year working with the interfaith communities throughout the greater Boston area and raised awareness on topics pertaining to social justice issues. He was a faithful member of Boston's "Common Cathedral", an outdoor church that met in the Boston Common and served those experiencing homelessness in the city.

In 2011, Bobby moved to New Orleans and undertook a year of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE Certification) at East Jefferson General Hospital. While serving at EJGH, he became a member of Trinity Episcopal Church. In 2012, he began his Discernment for Ordained Ministry in the Diocese of Louisiana. In 2014, Bobby joined St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Metairie where he continued his spiritual growth and discernment process under the mentorship of The Very Reverend A.J. Heine, Jr.

Bobby was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons on May 17, 2017, at St. Augustine’s. Later that year, Bobby was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests at Trinity Episcopal Church during a special school-day service that included the entire student body of Trinity Episcopal School.

Bobby married his wife Julie on January 6, 2018, at Christ Church Cathedral in New Orleans. Julie currently works for Tulane University’s Campus Planning Office. Bobby and Julie are avid travelers and are frequently planning, or preparing, for their next adventure in the world. They have made their home in New Orleans and enjoy participating in the numerous events of the city, including their favorite event of the year, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

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