Aiming to empower people to connect to God through prayer, Bishop Byron L. Smith Sr. has released “Morning Medicine,” a book of powerful meditations addressing life’s various trials.
Smith, who is the pastor of Gethsemane Christian Love Missionary Baptist Church in South L.A. and founder of Lifting the Veil Ministries, is also mental health clinician, adjunct professor at Antioch University, and longtime community advocate dedicated to aiding and uplifting others.
“This book is really about encouraging people to become resilient in the face of modern challenges,” the bishop said. “It’s guides you on becoming centered and to navigate the twists and turns of life by just praying.”
“Morning Medicine” is actually a 52-week journal containing prayers on several topics such as thankfulness, peace, healing and patience. The book evolved from Smith’s Facebook page of the same name where he shared petitions to God every week.
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“I had all these prayers written down and God told me to put it on Facebook so people knew me for spreading prayer every Monday. I had no idea it would become a book. I was just writing prayers and asking the Lord how to become better and continue to do His will, which for me is pastoring and preaching,” he recalled.
“It’s my prayer that with this book, no matter what people are going through, they could pick one of these prayers, and it will speak to their situation. Whether you are dealing with sickness, death of a loved one, or going through rough, unpredictable times, ‘Morning Medicine’ will give you a sense of calm, comfort and insight into the importance of prayer,” insisted Smith, who wrote the series of meditations during a difficult time in his own life.
While experiencing a range of transitions in his profession, he consistently turned to God in prayer to maintain his sanity and determination to overcome the adversity. As a husband, father and his family’s main breadwinner, he knew it was critical that he stay in close communication with God through prayer.
“In spite of everything that I’ve gone through, I’ve learned to just keep trusting God and treating people right and right will come back to you,” the bishop said.
“As the Scripture says, if you ask anything in my Father’s name, He’ll give it to you so that goes right back to prayer, which is what ‘Morning Medicine’ is all about.”
On Aug. 31, Bishop Smith held a book-signing for “Morning Medicine” at Dulan’s on Crenshaw. The gathering, which attracted more than 200 people, featured live music and the opportunity for guests to enjoy the restaurant’s famous soul food.
The crowd’s response to the book was evident by the long lines of people waiting for Smith to inscribe a personal message on their copy of “Morning Medicine,” which he patiently and pleasantly did for about two hours.
Encouraging people to check out “Morning Medicine,” the bishop said, “It’s more than just a book. It’s your daily invitation to a more joyful and meaningful life.”
“Morning Medicine” is available at www.lifting3veils.com and amazon.com.
