Sometimes God answers prayers by changing the person who is praying. Have you had that happen? Maybe you prayed for a situation to change, and instead, found that you were the one who needed changing.
A month ago, I began to pray, “God send us the people that no one else wants”. As I prayed, I listened to my own desires. Who are the people that I don’t want? Did I need to change before God could answer my prayer?
Instead of praying for the people no one wants, I have been tempted to pray instead, “God bring us people that are fun to be with. Bring us people with creativity and talent. Bring us people who have time and energy, and can join us in ministry. Bring us people who can help us with the budget!”
Unfortunately, the last few weeks I have been reading through Acts. The more I read, the more convinced I am that God does not show partiality. God never sets limits as to who is welcome in the community of faith.
When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, they hid from God and one another, ashamed and fearful. Yet God did not yell at them, or tell them they needed to get their act together before God would speak to them again. Instead, God calls out, “where are you?”.
God still calls out, “where are you?” to people who are ashamed of their past decisions or fearful of the consequences of their actions.
After the fall, God made clothes for Adam and Eve, protecting them from the harsh world they would inhabit.
God still longs to clothe those who turn away. Only now, God clothes with Christ. Instead of protection from the elements, we put on forgiveness, hope, and new life.
God is not the one who sets limits as to who is welcome. God’s wardrobe is big enough for a whole world of people!
I still pray for God to send the people no one else wants. And people I don’t want. And I am wondering how I am part of God sending these people—maybe I am the one who is supposed to be taking them by the hand and bringing them!
No surprise. Prayer is changing me.
Who is the person that you are reluctant to talk to about faith? Who is it that you would never invite to Mt Carmel?
Pray for that person. Just be careful. You might end up changing, too.
I'll see you this Sunday,
On Mother’s Day, May 10th, the Youth will once again place roses on the altar in honor or in memory of our mothers.
Helpers Needed at Red Cross Blood Drive
Even though this school year is just ending, the 2015-2016 year will be here before we know it and NCM is collecting supplies for students throughout the summer. 
The Women's Book Club will meet again on Friday, May 1st at 7:00 p.m. in the Hope House.
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