Retired Pastor Publishes Book Of Prayers
June 10, 2006 By Millete Birhanemaskel
Richard Einerson is the son of a factory worker and an operator. He thought he would become a teacher. But his gifts led him elsewhere.
He could articulate visions, work toward them and motivate. He was eventually led into ministry, though Einerson said he didn't have an epiphany like moment when he recognized his calling. He was sort of encouraged by the community.
Now a 70 year old retired United Church of Christ minister, his gifts and the community continue to lead him most recently to publishing "Prayers of the People." "This book came because of the call of the community," Einerson said.
Inevitably after every sermon, people would approach him and ask for copies of his prayers, to which he always obliged. After moving to Colorado to be near grandchildren, he was interim pastor at Plymouth Congregational Church in Fort Collins. Again, he got the same type of requests. "Not a day would go by that people wouldn't comment," Einerson said.
One woman, who asked for a copy of his prayer, said it convinced her to travel to Afghanistan to help economically disadvantaged women. Many encouraged Einerson to write a book. Plymouth church even offered to help with publishing costs.
The 161 prayers are based on the universal common lectionary -- a group of four texts (a Psalm, an Old Testament lesson, a New Testament lesson, and a Gospel lesson). From paralysis to holidays, Einerson said his prayers are best for busy pastors, young seminary students and lay people.
From prayer 59: "May we know with the shepherds that the fears and terrors of life are met by the angel who said 'Do not to be afraid' and who spoke of good news of great joy."
"I often thought about it (writing a book), but it wasn't a goal in life," Einerson said. Now that he has written one, he said, "I'll probably do another one or two."
June 10, 2006 By Millete Birhanemaskel
Richard Einerson is the son of a factory worker and an operator. He thought he would become a teacher. But his gifts led him elsewhere.
He could articulate visions, work toward them and motivate. He was eventually led into ministry, though Einerson said he didn't have an epiphany like moment when he recognized his calling. He was sort of encouraged by the community.
Now a 70 year old retired United Church of Christ minister, his gifts and the community continue to lead him most recently to publishing "Prayers of the People." "This book came because of the call of the community," Einerson said.
Inevitably after every sermon, people would approach him and ask for copies of his prayers, to which he always obliged. After moving to Colorado to be near grandchildren, he was interim pastor at Plymouth Congregational Church in Fort Collins. Again, he got the same type of requests. "Not a day would go by that people wouldn't comment," Einerson said.
One woman, who asked for a copy of his prayer, said it convinced her to travel to Afghanistan to help economically disadvantaged women. Many encouraged Einerson to write a book. Plymouth church even offered to help with publishing costs.
The 161 prayers are based on the universal common lectionary -- a group of four texts (a Psalm, an Old Testament lesson, a New Testament lesson, and a Gospel lesson). From paralysis to holidays, Einerson said his prayers are best for busy pastors, young seminary students and lay people.
From prayer 59: "May we know with the shepherds that the fears and terrors of life are met by the angel who said 'Do not to be afraid' and who spoke of good news of great joy."
"I often thought about it (writing a book), but it wasn't a goal in life," Einerson said. Now that he has written one, he said, "I'll probably do another one or two."