It's Good To Pray - YMCA Style

I enjoy opportunities to encounter God and learn more about Him and hear from Him and experience Him in a variety of ways. On Thursdays here at work we have an organisational prayer meeting open to anyone to attend. Numbers vary from week to week but it’s good to see a contingent of people of various spiritual levels and journeys popping in.

From week to week I’m never too sure who’ll be ‘leading’ it. There’s the Godfather Jim Ford who usually comes in on Thursdays sometimes takes it. Then there’s the boss Danny Flynn who when he’s available pops in and shares something. In the absence of these fellows and on the rare occasion even when they are there muggins takes the session. They usually last about 15 to 20 minutes and involve a brief thought and opportunity for quiet contemplation and/or verbal expression of prayer.

Today’s was good. It’s usually good. The boss popped in and read Psalm 23 from the Message in the context of us living too busy lives and sometimes just needing to spend time in peace with God, knowing that he actually wants to spend time with us. As he read it my heart was stirred to rejoice again in the Lord who gives us rest. Such is the description of this shepherd that I was happy to take those moments of quiet contemplation. Well, as quiet as you can get with the tickly cough that I’m enduring. Now Danny had to nip off to another appointment and so left the session. People’s attention then reverted to me and yet I was more than happy to maintain the quiet contemplation aspect. So with eyes closed I mischievously said nothing literally hoping that the good shepherd would lead. And so he did as people just naturally drifted off into their work routine with no need for instruction … well, no need for much instruction, there were a few who took the initiative in my absence to suggest that if you want to go back to work you can.

The scenario got me thinking of two things. Firstly how much are we lead by the Spirit of God working within us and how much do people actually need to be lead by Spirit-led people? As I discover more and more about the call of God in my life I find myself believing more and more that as God acts He places us in positions to sow and water His Word in people’s lives that will lead them to experience Him and be lead by Him, however that comes about. Sometimes people do need to be lead, but even there the type of leading is sensitively done so people recognise God, not the vessel. The real challenge is to know how the Shepherd leads in various ways through various means, but also clearly – so there’s no need for doubt as He leads.

The second thing that I think of is how reading Psalm 23 always leads me to consider the Good Shepherd monologue of John 10 particularly verses 11-18 where the character of the Shepherd God loves is laid out to its sacrificial ends. So even if I am lead to lead others through teaching, praying, relating and encouraging the manner in which it’s done has to reflect the obedient, compassionate, sacrificial nature of the Good Shepherd.

No pressure, then.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - I Know A Man Who Can

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Luke 23:24)

It’s easy to say forgive people and even pray for your enemies, but it’s harder to do it. Many of us have suffered because our inhumanity to each other – abuse, neglect, prejudice, and discrimination to various degrees makes it hard for us to love, let alone forgive. Jesus however is in the prime position to promote forgiveness, because He experienced all of these and more even to the point of death by the cruellest method possible. Yet even as he suffered in agony, His concern was to express this amazing grace to those who put Him through such misery. So as we learn to forgive and go through the process of forgiveness, in all its difficulty we’re given an opportunity to do it because, like those AA adverts, we know a Man who can. Like the motor vehicle service, when we breakdown due to hurts, betrayal and abuse He is able to take it on for us and allow us to recover so we can make progress in life without carrying the heavy weight of unforgiveness in our hearts.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Getting The Message aCross - A Challenging Compassion

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:12, 13)

The cross is the symbol of the greatest love shown to man and the greatest challenge given to man. The love shown by Christ on the cross was sacrificial and powerful – giving His life as God’s gift so that others might have everlasting life and have it to it’s fullest. The challenge is for us to believe it – not just a feeling of happiness momentarily or a piece of information we relate to on occasion – a lifelong commitment to live that love for others sacrificially. As people remember this sacrifice lets respond out of gratitude with the love of Christ.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Prayer Point from Francis of Assisi

God's Gift To You

Over the weekend I had the pleasure and privilege of attending the YMCA National Assembly at Warwick University. It was an awesome time. Part of the weekend included a prayer session which had a number of images displayed to focus on issues for prayer. So inspiring were they that I thought it would be good to post some of them on here from time to time. Hope you enjoy them.

For His Name's Sake

Shalom

da man cd