Journal: getting results

That's what it's all about, making the right things happen and the bad things go away, isn't it?

Today has been excellent with God-given opportunities, answered prayer and weird happenings with the Internet - who could ask for anything more?

I feel like this week has been one of corners turned and opportunities emerging where before there was only dark clouds in the horizon; and the reason? Prayer.

How many of us live in the land of 'I wish' when we should be in the land of 'He is able and so therefore am I'. Too many times I hear of the failings of someone else when people speak of their failures and missed opportunities, but the reality is that we are often so taken up with the people we can blame that we forget the God who is able - and that is a major sadness for the Church and the world it is supposed to be serving.

But this week, some people have moved forward and for my part in it I thank God!

Today I am thankful for the encounters He has provided for me and still sorry for the person I might have been and yet was not.

I thank God for the sinner who repented today and the 'far off' who came near.

Lord, as I turn in I thank you for my daily bread, my sins forgiven and Your love and life made real in me. Bring on tomorrow Lord and let us conspire together to show your love made fresh in the new day to come.

Lord, I love You,

Morning Prayer - Nov 29

Day of Intercession and Thanksgiving for the Missionary Work of the Church

Psalm 139

O Lord, you have searched me out and known me; you know my sitting down and my rising up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You mark out my journeys and my resting place and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but you, O Lord, know it altogether. You encompass me behind and before and lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, so high that I cannot attain it.

Where can I go then from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I climb up to heaven, you are there; if I make the grave my bed, you are there also. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there your hand shall lead me, 

your right hand hold me fast.

If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will cover me and the light around me turn to night,’ Even darkness is no darkness with you; the night is as clear as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike. For you yourself created my inmost parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I thank you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are your works, my soul knows well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was made in secret and woven in the depths of the earth; Your eyes beheld my form, as yet unfinished; already in your book were all my members written, As day by day they were fashioned when as yet there was none of them.

How deep are your counsels to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I count them, they are more in number than the sand, and at the end, I am still in your presence. O that you would slay the wicked, O God, that the bloodthirsty might depart from me! They speak against you with wicked intent; your enemies take up your name for evil. Do I not oppose those, O Lord, who oppose you? Do I not abhor those who rise up against you? I hate them with a perfect hatred; they have become my own enemies also. Search me out, O God, and know my heart; try me and examine my thoughts. See if there is any way of wickedness in me and lead me in the way everlasting.

Isaiah 22.1-14

The oracle concerning the valley of vision. 

What do you mean that you have gone up, all of you, to the housetops, you that are full of shoutings, tumultuous city, exultant town? Your slain are not slain by the sword, nor are they dead in battle. Your rulers have all fled together; they were captured without the use of a bow. All of you who were found were captured, though they had fled far away. Therefore I said: Look away from me, let me weep bitter tears; do not try to comfort me for the destruction of my beloved people. 

For the Lord God of hosts has a day of tumult and trampling and confusion in the valley of vision, a battering down of walls and a cry for help to the mountains. Elam bore the quiver with chariots and cavalry, and Kir uncovered the shield.  Your choicest valleys were full of chariots, and the cavalry took their stand at the gates. He has taken away the covering of Judah. 

On that day you looked to the weapons of the House of the Forest, and you saw that there were many breaches in the city of David, and you collected the waters of the lower pool. You counted the houses of Jerusalem, and you broke down the houses to fortify the wall. You made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you did not look to him who did it, or have regard for him who planned it long ago. 

On that day the Lord God of hosts called to weeping and mourning, to baldness and putting on sackcloth; but instead there was joy and festivity, killing oxen and slaughtering sheep, eating meat and drinking wine. ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.’ 

The Lord of hosts has revealed himself in my ears: Surely this iniquity will not be forgiven you until you die, says the Lord God of hosts.

 Matthew 11.2-19

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,

“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” 

Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen!

‘But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another, 

“We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.” 

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.’

The Collect

Eternal Father,

whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven

that he might rule over all things as Lord and King:

keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit

and in the bond of peace,

and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet;

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Five minutes left of the day

And as the words of Night Prayer soak in, and through, to bless and commit the days proceedings, hallowing them, I find myself reflecting on the ups and downs, the challenges (met and unresolved), and thanks and praise take the place of work and endeavour. So I thought I'd share with you the words of tonight's meditations:

The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.

Our help is in the name of the Lord

Who made heaven and earth.

Time to reflect upon the day, now past, is taken - followed by:

Most merciful God, we confess to you,

before the whole company of heaven and one another,

that we have sinned in thought, word and deed

and in what we have failed to do.

Forgive us our sins, heal us by your Spirit

and raise us to new life in Christ. Amen.

O God, make speed to save us: O Lord, make haste to help us.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen. 

Alleluia.

The following may be said (or sung if you're game):

Before the ending of the day,

Creator of the world, we pray

That you, with steadfast love, would keep

Your watch around us while we sleep.

From evil dreams defend our sight,

From fears and terrors of the night;

Tread underfoot our deadly foe

That we no sinful thought may know.

O Father, that we ask be done

Through Jesus Christ, your only Son;

And Holy Spirit, by whose breath

Our souls are raised to life from death.

Psalm 143

Refrain: Show me, O Lord, the way that I should walk in.

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and in your faithfulness give ear to my supplications;

answer me in your righteousness.

Enter not into judgement with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified.

For the enemy has pursued me,  crushing my life to the ground, 

making me sit in darkness like those long dead.

My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate.

I remember the time past; I muse upon all your deeds;

I consider the works of your hands.

I stretch out my hands to you; my soul gasps for you like a thirsty land.

O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; 

hide not your face from me lest I be like those who go down to the Pit.

Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning,

for in you I put my trust; 

show me the way I should walk in, for I lift up my soul to you.

Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies, for I flee to you for refuge.

Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God;
let your kindly spirit lead me on a level path.

Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake;
for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

In your faithfulness, slay my enemies, and destroy all the adversaries of my soul,

for truly I am your servant.

Refrain: Show me, O Lord, the way that I should walk in.

Jesus, our companion, when we are driven to despair,

help us, through the friends and strangers we encounter on our path,

to know you as our refuge, our way, our truth and our life.

Glory to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning is now

and shall be for ever. Amen.

Matthew 11.28–end

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Keep me as the apple of your eye.

Hide me under the shadow of your wings.

Gospel Canticle

The Nunc Dimittis (Song of Simeon - Luke 2.29-32)

Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, 

that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.

Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled.

My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people;

A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; 

as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, 

that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.

A time of reflection, intercession and thank, followed by the Collect of the Day:

Almighty Lord and everlasting God,

we beseech you to direct, sanctify and govern both our hearts and bodies

in the ways of your laws and the works of your commandments;

that through your most mighty protection, both here and ever,

we may be preserved in body and soul;

through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,

who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Conclusion

In peace we will lie down and sleep;

for you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.

Abide with us, Lord Jesus,

for the night is at hand and the day is now past.

As the night watch looks for the morning,

so do we look for you, O Christ.

Come with the dawning of the day and make yourself known in the breaking of the bread.

The Lord bless us and watch over us;

the Lord make his face shine upon us and be gracious to us;

the Lord look kindly on us and give us peace. Amen.

The old year has passed - the new lies open before us

If we were ever looking for a prayer to end all prayers I guess this has to be it for it offers new beginnings, fresh opportunities and the potential for so very much. It is with this thought that this morning's time before the keyboard has focussed on everything that is before us this year in the little family that I am privileged to pastor.

The church has reached a fork in the road and we need to make some very important decisions over the next week or so, choices have to be made and the type of church that we are has to be decided upon. As we approach this there are many things to thank God for where and who we are and some areas where we need to look at what we offer too!). Some of these are:

The 'Don't be home alone' Christmas lunch saw forty-eight people fed and given a good time. This meal, which we do with and for many of the churches within our town was, in my book, another great success and an opportunity to be really blessed (and I was, hope the rest were). A 'give thanks' area.

Kid's Club has been another blessing. The realisation that some of the children we started with five years ago are now adults is a bit frightening (yes, we are all getting older!). The format appears to be set but we need to look at ways we can help support those coming and perhaps extend what we do. A 'give thanks' and a 'new direction' area this one.

Friday Friends, our provision for the older generation continues to flourish and the team who work here are committed and so totally engaged that it is an ever continuing source of joy and inspiration. Another 'give thanks' area.

The Mental Health support group, an autonomous group who offer support and friendship to those who have had mental health issues, is one of the great blessings of 2011. Another 'give thanks' area which beggars the question, "What more should we be doing to support those with mental health needs?"

Drop-in - the free tea, coffee, cake and biscuits sessions which operate on Monday and Thursday ending with lunch for those who wish to stay and have it has seen the highest numbers yet over the past year. A gentle place where people can come and relax secure in the knowledge that they aren't going to be pressurised into 'being Christian'. A place where we can offer friendship without strings. Another 'give thanks' area.

Messy Church has been a mixed bag. Now in its second year we have seen some great days and have seen some where the attendance left us all a bit low. That said the opportunity to take it into other places and do it where the people are (rather than drag them into the fearsome 'Church' building) is proving to be a great opportunity to engaged and sow seeds of awareness - who can ask for more than that? Another 'give thanks' with a bit of 'fresh direction' area.

The midweek communion - a relatively new service which provides an opportunity for those who wouldn't otherwise be able to make church happen, happen! Lightweight, accessible and so informal as to be horizontal, this is a service which promises so much and for which praise and direction need to be sought.

Community engagement is one of the jewels in the life and mission of the church and this, along with the love and lack of acrimony within it, is probably the greatest source of continuous joy. We have seen some great community events and have received much encouragement from many. The only downside is the lack of space that wer can offer and this is the place whereby we begin our considerations as to the direction we take along the road.

There are other areas and things that are happening, about to happen, would like to see happening but that's enough for now. Please pray for us as we shuffle along behind Christ trying to discern His footsteps and 'do the stuff'. Please pray for me as I seek to lead but not direct and be part of the family rather than the man with the megaphone.

Happy New Year to one and all