Disciplined Hope. Shannon Craigo-Snell

days after the 2016 election, that those of us who care for justice and compassion are few and far between. When people said “amen” to the prayers I posted, they let me know they were out there, and they saw other responses, and it encouraged us all. Likewise, acknowledging the people who were resisting helped place the outrageous events of the day in relation to ongoing work for justice that people have been engaged in for decades. It highlighted the geographical breadth and historical depth of justice struggles. Third, it created a space of (virtual) intimacy in which we could speak of things that are often not brought up in casual conversation. Because we prayed together, we were already conversing about big and personal issues, admitting needs and joys and worries. Fourth, praying together created a web of people, from various backgrounds and geographical locations, asking God to help us move the world a bit closer to the creativity, love, justice, and compassion that is, I believe, what God intends. I do not know what piece of advanced technology might be required to pick up on the “good vibes, juju, and mojo” that we sent out to the universe. But just because we can’t measure it does not mean it doesn’t matter.

There are many stories of hope in these prayers, of small victories, disasters averted, and struggles that continue. For example, on February 24, 2017, this online community of prayer implored God to bless Marty Baron, editor of The Washington Post, “with whatever he needs to support and empower investigative journalism.” On April 16, 2018, the staff of The Washington Post received the Pulitzer Prize for investigative journalism for its “revelations about U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore” and they “shared the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for national reporting on Russia’s interference in the 2016 election.”24 Did a quick prayer on Facebook make the difference? Did our communal discipline of hope for the common good tip the scales? Probably not. But they shaped me, they formed a community, and they invited all that is good in the universe to help us in our present struggles.

1. McCord Adams, “Prayer as the ‘Lifeline of Theology,’” 272.

2. McCord Adams, “Prayer as the ‘Lifeline of Theology,’” 273.

3. McCord Adams, “Prayer as the ‘Lifeline of Theology,’” 273–74.

4. Heschel, “Their Feet Were Praying.”

5. Migliore, Faith Seeking Understanding, 2.

6. McCord Adams, “Prayer as the “Lifeline of Theology,” 271.

7. Rahner, Foundations of Christian Faith, 46–51.

8. For thoughtful reflection on religious community through electronic networks, see Thompson, The Virtual Body of Christ.

9. Saliers, Soul in Paraphrase, 9, 27–28, 77.

10. Gratitude has become a topic of much research. Morin, “Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude.”

11. Saliers, Soul in Paraphrase, 11.

12. See Harak, Virtuous Passions and Brueggemann, The Prophetic Imagination.

13. McCord Adams, “Prayer as the ‘Lifeline of Theology,’” 279.

14. Thurman, Disciplines of the Spirit, 101.

15. Thurman, Disciplines of the Spirit, 101.

16. Calvin, Institutes, II. 852.

17. Hallesby, Prayer, 14.

18. Hallesby, Prayer, 22.

19. McCord Adams, “Prayer as the ‘Lifeline for Theology,’” 274–75.

20. McCord Adams, “Prayer as the ‘Lifeline for Theology,’” 278.

21. Andrade and Rahakrishnan, “Prayer and healing,” 247–53.

22. Doubleff, “Fetal cells may protect mom from disease.”

23. Sample, “We are all made of stars.”

24. Washington Post Staff, “Washington Post’s 2018 Pulitzer Prizes.”

      Prayers

      January 24, 2017

      Every day I will pray for those who resist. Today, I pray blessing and protection for the badass people at the Badlands.25

      January 25, 2017

      I pray this evening for water protectors at Standing Rock, for Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, for journalists who tell the truth, and for scientists who protect the data.26

      January 26, 2017

      Tonight I pray for Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and every other mayor who is standing up for immigrants. I pray for Dan Rather and for whoever turned Teen Vogue into a political force for good. I pray for every single person calling their representatives. And for artists, of every stripe, who make us more human.27

      January 27, 2017

      I pray strength and inspiration for every writer who is shaping words to resist hate and cultivate compassion, in tweets, FB posts, essays, op-eds, newsletters, blog posts, books, and every other format and genre. I pray for the preachers who are writing sermons that emphasize the consistent biblical mandate to care for refugees. Writing mercies to you all.

      January 28, 2017

      I pray tonight for all the people who went to airports to protest DT’s despicable action, for the taxi drivers who stopped picking up passengers at JFK, for the ACLU, for Judge Ann M. Donnelly, and for all those who participated in local actions to reject discrimination. I pray that God blesses you and adds the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to your efforts.28

      January 29, 2017

      Throughout the day I pray for those in need of protection, healing, justice, and strength. In the evening, I focus on what I am thankful for, and I lift up those people and communities who work for justice and resist hate.

      Tonight I am in awe of the continuing protests around the country, and so many friends who are standing with immigrants and refugees. You are amazing. I praise God for your witness.

      I