Paul’s persecutors attempted to kill him by stoning. They “dragged him out of the town, leaving him there for dead” (Acts 14:19). The circle of disciples raised the dead.

We need to form a prayer-circle around “the living dead” in our midst (1 Jn 3:14). Anyone who does not know Jesus is spiritually dead, reaping “the wages of sin” (Rm 6:23). Some churches are dead (Rv 3:1). Some marriages are dead. We can circle these people, churches, and couples, just as Joshua circled Jericho and the walls came tumbling down (Jos 6:20).

We can circle the dead and bring them to life by literally joining our hands, by a week of prayer (as with Jericho), by “praying over” people, by forming a prayer chain or intercessory group. If we but let the Spirit guide us, we can circle our dead planet with life-giving prayer. Let’s go around in circles, up in resurrection spirals, into new life, a new life of true freedom.

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 3, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.