# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2004_S14
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

SYNODICAL REPORTS

by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become

conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Critical aspects of spiritual renewal include humility, self-examina-
tion, confession, repentance and absolution, results of which cannot ex-
clude a deepening personal relationship with Jesus Christ, fervent prayer
and humble commitment to our part in Christ’s mission on earth. In my
travels across the Synod and around the world, I see many encouraging
signs of a renewal of commitment to mission. What I have not seen
nearly as clearly is a commitment to the other elements listed above,
particularly prayer, as an integral part of spiritual renewal.

Church historians point out that renewal movements always are ac-
companied by fervent prayer. Here is where we in the LCMS need a lot
of work, especially if we are serious about setting hearts on fire—a

work that only the presence and power of the Holy Spirit can accom-

plish in our midst. As Luther teaches us, “We must, after all, achieve
everything through prayer.”

Therefore, my dear friends and brothers in Christ, in a spirit of gen-
uine humility, regularly and painfully aware of my own sinful nature,
failures and imperfections, I respectfully and fervently encourage you to
continue to commit yourself to

2004 Convention Workbook

¢ regular and fervent prayer for our church and its courageous, un-

compromising, unapologetic witness to the world;

* private and public repentance for sins of omission, commission,

and no mission;

¢ spiritual renewal through personal and group Bible study, devo-

tion, Christian witness and service.
In addition, I respectfully encourage you also to urge your peo-
ple to join their hands and their hearts in similar commitment. I
truly believe that doing so will produce the kind of results re-
flected in the last verse from Acts 4:

And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered to-
gether was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and
began to speak the word of God with boldness.

That’s what is in my heart and on my heart. Thank you, dear
brothers and sisters in Christ, for taking the time to read this
memo. God’s grace, mercy and peace be with you all!

Gerald B. Kieschnick, President