I would like to share some words from Augsburg University’s President Paul Pribbenow, addressing the community at the onset of the COVID-19 virus. He wrote,” thank you for your patience – and thanks most of all for the remarkable effort you are making to support our students and each other in these distressing times… I am feeling especially for all of you whose grace and generosity with and for each other gives me great hope”.
Being a leader takes courage, discipline, and determination. While a great leader can bring great success, it also comes at the cost or risk of being judged and overwhelmed. The Bible speaks to many leaders and how God blessed them for their work. We would like to offer a prayer for leaders who choose to step up and lead during these challenging times. For Augsburg University President Paul Pribbenow, his leadership team (PLT), our sibling Evangelical Lutheran Church in American colleges and universities, and all other institutions of higher learning in the United States and abroad as they carry the mantle of leadership guiding their institutions to meet the challenges of shifting to alternative methods of instructing, manage finances, oversee the quality of the academics, support programs, consult and cooperate with Regents as well as planning for the future. We offer this scripture and prayer to all UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE PRESIDENTS…
Romans 8:28-30 (NRSV)
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Let us pray.
Loving and gracious God, we thank you for the gift of wisdom. We offer a prayer of thanksgiving for University and College Presidents. We thank you for the gift of their leadership. For their ability to stand and lead in trying times. We ask that you be with them and bless them, to hear your words of peace, and to not fear for you are with them. We ask that you strengthen and guide them and their leadership teams to direct and guide during this challenging time. We ask that you hush any voices that would lift against them in judgment, for you have created them for such a time as this. Give them confidence to know that all things will work out for good, for you have called them to this great work. We ask, Lord God, you bless their families and homes with unity and your peace. Protect them to lead and may all experience a hope that does not disappoint. And to you be the power and the glory. Amen
Rev. Babette Chatman
April 2, 2020