I plead with you to organize the people in your congregation who care about the larger church to begin now to bathe the 2008th General Assembly in prayer.  Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

         pray for all the commissioners and for the youth and other advisory delegates who are being elected in presbyteries all over the country now.  Pray for wisdom and good judgment in the selection process for these important people.

         pray for wisdom and good judgment as presbyteries consider and vote on overtures to the Assembly.

         pray for the Committee on Local Arrangement in San Jose, California as they prepare to receive and offer hospitality to thousands of people.

         pray for those persons who are considering standing as candidates for Moderator of the 2008th General Assembly; also for those considering standing as candidates for Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and for the search committee which will present a nominee to the Assembly (Steve Grace is chair of that committee).

This is just the tip of the iceberg; I will send more suggestions later. 

But please begin now to rattle the gates of heaven with our desire for God’s perfect will to be done at the 2008th Assembly and throughout this little Presbyterian piece of the worldwide body of Christ where God has placed us. Grace and peace, Joan

Joan S. Gray
Moderator, 217th General Assembly (2006)