Prayer in Action: Bridging Faith and Action at The Well
In alignment with our Diocesan Strategic Plan goal to revitalize our churches, we are committed to launching or relaunching worshiping communities focused on rising generations so that we become a spiritual home for our children and grandchildren. Under the leadership of the Rev. Rondesia Jarrett-Schell, The Well, in Bowie, Maryland, is the first of these reimagined faith communities to open.
The Well community believes in, and actively engages in, a concept called Prayer in Action. Prayer is traditionally seen as a private, introspective act, a way to communicate with the divine, seek guidance, and find peace. Service, on the other hand, is an outward expression of compassion and commitment to others. When these elements are combined, they create a powerful synergy. Prayer can inspire and sustain service, providing the spiritual strength needed to continue working for the betterment of others. Conversely, service can deepen one’s prayer life, grounding it in the realities of human need and suffering; and the movement of the Holy Spirit.
The Well’s concept of Prayer in Action follows three steps: Prayer, Service, and Reflection. Members of The Well gather to volunteer by first praying together. We set our heart and minds on God, God’s people, and the work we are called to do that day. We ask that God be present in our work and make us instruments of God’s peace. As we help the community, we keep love, care and compassion in our hearts and minds; paying attention to the movement of God’s loving spirit. As our time volunteering ends, we gather again, in prayerful reflection, sharing with one another where we may or may not have seen God’s Holy Spirit moving throughout the day.
We practice Prayer in Action by helping local nonprofits serving the community. For example, earlier this year, The Well was invited by two separate organizations to help during a time of crisis. Last March, a condo fire displaced 14 families in Bowie. They lost everything. The nonprofit—Interfaith Coalition of Bowie—contacted The Well to help collect donations for the victims and to assist in leading a community prayer vigil. The Well assisted at the donation center where Bowie neighbors gave an overwhelming show of compassion through their giving of food, clothing, and funds. The prayer vigil was held at the Temple Solel. The Rev. Rondesia Jarrett-Schell led prayers with Rabbi Steve Weisman, who sang songs of solidarity to those seated in uncertainty.
A couple of weeks later, a local L.A. Fitness allowed the Well to help their patrons. A gunman opened fire inside their building during a basketball game. Thankfully, only one person was hurt and the suspect was arrested. Still, the concern for safety was on everyone’s mind. Rev. Rondesia, reached out to the LA Fitness managers to offer words of care, a listening ear and prayers to them and the staff. Rev. Rondesia also asked to do the same for those who frequent the gym. When the LA Fitness reopened the managers allowed The Well to offer prayers to the patrons returning to their place of wellness. The Well gladly offered prayers and water to all who needed them.
Our faith is not solely confined to the sanctuary but is actively lived out in the world. Prayer in Action is a dynamic reminder of that fact. It fosters personal growth, deepens spiritual understanding, and strengthens community bonds. Ultimately, it embodies the essence of faith in action, where prayer fuels service and service enriches prayer, creating a cycle of compassion, reflection, and transformation.
