From Bishop Burgos: Widening the Circle of Prayer

By UNY Communications | Email

Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists in the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

“We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” -2 Thessalonians 1:12

Dear Friends in Christ, 

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord, Savior, and Friend, Jesus Christ. 

Widening the Circle of Prayer 

Across the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences, we continue nurturing a culture of prayer that grounds our life and mission. As part of this commitment, we are expanding a Susquehanna initiative—the Circle of Prayer—to the entire episcopal area. Through this weekly rhythm, congregations and our Camp & Retreat Centers lift one another before God in intentional, sustained prayer. 

Each week, conference staff and churches across our area will be praying intentionally for the ministry, leadership, and people of our congregations. At least one congregation will be lifted in prayer each day. 

This shared practice reflects Jesus’ prayer for unity (John 17:21) and his call to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39). It strengthens our connectional identity and reminds us that every church and every disciple is part of one body—diverse yet united in Christ. 

Please share this schedule with your congregation, include it in your weekly bulletin, remember one another in your worship gatherings, post it on your social media platforms, and join the circle by praying for the churches listed during their assigned weeks. Current and future schedules are available online here and will also be posted regularly in the Weekly Digest mid‑week e‑newsletter. 

As we enter this rhythm of prayer, I hold this blessing from 2 Thessalonians 1:12: “We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” May this be true for every congregation across our episcopal area. 

Tools for Nurturing Devotion and a Life of Prayer 

I also want to remind everyone of several tools that support daily devotion and help sustain a life of prayer. Every SUS‑UNY disciple and servant leader is strongly encouraged to embrace intentional and consistent devotional practices: 

1. The Upper Room Devotional Guide serves as a tool for short daily spiritual nourishment, focusing on connecting personal faith stories with biblical themes and prayer.  

2. Disciplines Devotional Guide - Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, it offers in-depth daily scripture, reflection, and prayer to deepen spiritual life.  

3. The Methodist Book of Prayer  provides complete texts for Morning Prayers and Evening Prayers to nurture a vibrant prayer life in keeping with the rhythms of the Christian calendar.  

I continue praying for a season of revival! A renewed life of prayer will be the foundation as we form disciples who—empowered by the Holy Spirit—love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously so that lives and communities are transformed through Christ’s healing and liberating love. 

Thank you for the ways you are living the Gospel and being God’s love to your neighbors in all places. 

Together in the journey,

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez

The United Methodist Church   

Serving the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area