Living in Exile But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7 Exile? Here in Grand County? It doesn’t feel like we are living in exile here in Grand County. At least not in the sense that the prophet Jeremiah describes. Jeremiah knew what it was like to be carried off into a foreign country. He knew that God’s people would feel helpless and hopeless in a distant and foreign land. And so, he speaks God's word that they are to seek the welfare of the city that they've been carried to…and God will provide for their welfare as well. It’s hard to imagine a life in exile when you live in a community surrounded by resorts, guest ranches, and national forest land. But what if for a moment we stop and see that we too are living life in exile. While we have not been carried off as slaves to a foreign land, our true home is with God. We too, would do well to heed Jeremiah's words and seek the welfare of the communities in which we live. Here at St John’s, we have a long history of seeking the welfare of our community by supporting and being involved with many of the organizations that exist to build up Grand County. But being involved and supporting in this way is only part of the work. Jeremiah reminds us that we are also to pray to the Lord on behalf of our communities…that our welfare is tied to the welfare of the community. Imagine what might happen if we took this to heart and prayed intentionally for the welfare of the cities in which we live. What if we were like the psalmist who regularly takes up his cause with God (and gives him a piece of his mind). What if we were to do that with the concerns and worries that we have here in Grand County. And how exactly might we pray? Pray for our local governments. Pray for our police and fire departments. Pray for the people who live and work here. Pray for the environment. Pray for the other churches in our community. When you are out walking, riding, skiing, driving... Pray! “Thy Kingdom come” is a great place to start. Blessings, Matthew+ Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. | 
