On Wednesday (11 Sept) we met for an Inspire Prayer Gathering. It is such a joy and a privilege to be able to come together to seek the Lord and to pray together. Here are some comments we received:
“Today’s meeting was especially meaningful for me. After a difficult summer I need a new beginning and revitalization. The structure of the meeting was perfect for helping me put my yearning for Christ into focus. Thank you for that. The music, scripture and special poem were all inspiring and lovely. Praying for each other is such a blessing.”
“I love our Inspire Prayer Gatherings because they give me an opportunity to reconnect with people around the world I’ve met in the Inspire online courses. It was especially nice today to see both returning people and new people! The Prayer Gatherings are also, for me, a mini digital retreat. I get to step away from the whirlwind of the day or week or month and settle in with Robin’s and Sam’s beautiful and meaningful prayer points for us to ponder. It is always a time of refreshment!”
If you were not able to join us this week we hope you will put the dates in your diary to come along next time: Weds 27 Nov; Tues 4 March; Monday 6 June.
We began with worship:
Listen to My God Is All I Need, By City Alight
We read the Word:
Do not remember the former things,
or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake,
and I will not remember your sins.
Isaiah 43: 18-19, 25 NIV
We spent time sharing, discerning and praying together:
REFLECT on the summer months:
- Did I take on too much and exhaust myself?
- Did I fail to plan?
- What could I have done better?
- Whose help did I not seek?
- Who did I forget to visit & encourage?
RE-ENERGIZE at the start of this new academic/church year:
- Am I regularly enjoying my quiet time with Jesus?
- Do I use the examen/Inspire way of life questions to see where I can improve?
- Am I disciplined in protecting family/rest/fun time?
- Who will I encourage to pray regularly?
- How can my fellowship band help me?
RE-IGNITE passion for Jesus and his mission
- Where is God challenging me to try something different?
- How do I think my fellowship band(s) could grow in the coming months?
- What learning communities on the School of Discipleship can I introduce to others and which courses do I need to take myself?
We sent one another out with a blessing:
May the gift of leadership awaken in you as a vocation,
Keep you mindful of Christ who calls you to serve.
As high over the mountains the eagle spreads its wings,
May your perspective be larger than the view from the foothills.
When the way is flat and dull in times of grey endurance,
May your imagination continue to evoke horizon.
When thirst burns in times of drought,
May you be blessed to find the wells.
May you have the wisdom to read time clearly
And know when the seeds of change will flourish.
In your heart may there be a sanctuary
For the stillness where clarity is born.
May your work be infused with passion and creativity
And have the wisdom to balance compassion and challenge.
May your soul find the graciousness
To rise above the fester of small mediocrities.
May your power never become a shell
Wherein your heart would silently atrophy.
May you welcome your own vulnerability
As the ground where healing and truth join.
May integrity of soul be your first ideal,
The source that will guide and bless your work.John O’Donohue, from To Bless This Space Between Us
