12th Sunday after Pentecost B – 19th August 2012

Last week I wrote asking for reasons why we (as a congregation) do not  enjoy reading the bible alone, or why we do not see the bible as a powerful guide.

This is an important issue especially in the light of the series of readings we have been following regarding Jesus as the BREAD of LIFE. Reading The Bible, reflecting on Jesus’ teachings and actions, sharing in communion, prayer, praise and worship… along with Christian fellowship, have all been mentioned as means by which we take in, or feed upon, the Bread of Life. To nourish our bodies we are encouraged to eat healthy foods several times a day – and many of us do this almost “religiously” – but to nourish our souls for eternal life it seems that many of us are barely on starvation rations. For some, the feeding of our souls only takes place on Sundays! One meal a week is hardly enough to live on!

The response to  the (NCD) survey questions regarding prayer were very low with Question 77 (Times of prayer are an inspiring experience for me) scoring very negatively. I suspect this is because we misunderstand prayer. We usually see prayer as being those moments when we fall on our knees as a last resort, in absolute desperation, when we are feeling particularly lost and fearful – or our Sunday intercessions in which the majority of us listen to the words of an intercessor whose role is to gather our prayers and offer them before God. In this case we can be disconected to the point that we are merely observers of another human being and somehow not connecting with God at all. Sometimes we read our lists of names to God – even telling God what we expect by way of answer – but how often do we stop to listen to God? I came across the following cartoon this week which makes the point very well.

 

Prayer is part of our ongoing conversation with God, with whom we are in a loving 2-way relationship. Perhaps, this week, we could simply take some time to sit with God in silence. If you need a focus for your time with God, try beginning by taking a few deep breaths before simply asking thanking God for being with you in the quiet. Then slowly read the gospel set for next week … asking God to open your eyes to whatever he wants to share with you. May your prayer times be times of inspiration this week.

Love and blessings

Reverend Shan