Just what the Savior Ordered

Written By Rev. David Price

It is a life of ups and downs. Sometimes the downs outnumber the ups. We reach out to God for help in the most grave challenges of life. One of the early Christian hermits, a desert monk, recommended keeping a certain short prayer from the Psalms at the ready, and using it repeatedly in all situations, it was this: Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me. (Psalm 70:1) It acknowledges the need, addressing the One who can aid, and carries the tone of urgency. You can do just as well with your own thoughts and phrases. We react from the gut in times of need.

Reading The First Letter of Saint Peter, we sense he is addressing people in the context of Christian persecution. This epistle coaches believers in their attitude toward undeserved suffering—when they are being tried by fire. Near the end of the final chapter, the Apostle declares that these sufferings we bear are brief, whereas we are called into God’s eternal splendor through Christ:

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen. (1Peter 5:10-11)

This is just what we need—just what the Savior ordered. At times we feel broken, insecure, weak, and rocked by painful troubles. Christ himself will make you whole and secure and strong as you place yourself humbly under God’s strong hand. Here is how Saint Peter puts it:

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. (1Peter 5:6)

Rev. David Price

Fr. Price joined St. Francis as Assistant Rector in September 2016. He says, “I am eager to be part of St. Francis’ efforts to work, pray, and give.” Fr. Price just completed a 10 year pastorate as Rector of Grace Church, Alvin and celebrated his 32nd anniversary of ordained ministry. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, a graduate of the University of Arizona, he completed his theological training at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin in 1984. He served on parish staffs in Midland, Lubbock, and Palestine, before becoming Rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church and School, Houston in 1994.

Fr. Price loves the variety of parish ministry: learning, worshiping, serving, and discovering things in small group fellowship. He recognizes the strength and health of St. Francis Church. He is convinced that in parish work, “God draws people in, builds them up and sends them out to be ambassadors of reconciliation in the world”. He has been married to Jennifer for 35 years. Jennifer, a cardiac nurse, works at CHI St. Luke's Health in the Medical Center. They are proud parents of three adult children: daughters, Emily Hatzel and Hannah Loyd, and son, Andrew Price. They are excited that they recently became grandparents. Fr. Price and Jennifer are both interested in improving their personal health through nutrition and physical activity. He has finished several marathons, half-marathons and triathlons in the last few years.

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