In this episode of the For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe share a powerful conversation about the role and resource of prayer in our public life and politics. James Catford, founding chair of The Center for Christianity and Public Life, moderates the discussion with Reverend Cece Jones-Davis and U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black about the significance prayer has been in their outreach and work. Rev. Jones-Davis shares her story about how she relies on prayer in her work as an activist. Chaplain Black draws from his experiences in public leadership as the chaplain of the U.S. Senate and a trusted advisor and confidant of civic leaders across the political spectrum. 

Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!

“I know this conversation moved many to tears and moved many into, I think, a deeper place of conviction that we don’t need to live bifurcated lives. That we can bring the whole of who we are to our civic life and make a difference there.” -Michael [02:56]

“It was a powerful testimony to the fact that prayer not only transforms in our lives, but it also really does have the power to transform our external environment as well.” -Phebe [03:27]

“I have a minute and a half worth of decent prayer material before I start repeating myself without an open bible. But with an open bible, I can pray for hours, and with an open bible, I give God the courtesy of starting the conversation.” -Chaplain Black [18:07]

“God is found when we reach the end of our capabilities. He shows up there.” -James [22:38]

“Prayer will always be essential, but it will not be prayer alone. We have to be willing to do the work.” -Rev. Jones-Davis [29:19]

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Intro

[03:42] About this week’s guests

[04:30] Prayer: A communication with God

[09:18] Prayer as the most significant thing in their stories

[19:26] The Prayer of Tears

[22:48] What Chaplain Black thinks about when he prays

[26:34] Advice from Rev. Jones-Davis and Chaplain Black

[35:30] Outro

REFERENCES

• James Catford, founding board chair for The Center for Christianity and Public Life
• Reverend Cece Jones-Davis
• 2023 Public Life Fellows
• U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black
• Justice for Julius
• For the Good of the Public Summit
• Great Is Thy Faithfulness by Thomas Chisholm
• The love of God is greater far by Frederick Martin Lehman

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