listening and discerning

Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices:  Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Hopefully this prayer has become a familiar friend to you this week as we all pray and listen to how God is leading Restoration into the next chapter. I have really appreciated the opportunity to be still before the Lord.  Have you been using the prayer guide?  The readings from Romans have given me lots of ideas.  In particular this theme has captured the imagination of my prayers:

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.  Romans 15:1-2

I have been praying that God would show us how Restoration can use its strengths–  understanding the Gospel, experience of deliverance and transformation, work ethic, embrace of the mission– to serve those who are far from Christ.  How can we be a place that helps people get to know Jesus and go deeper in relationship with him–  especially people who dislike him and his church…

In addition to our individual listening, we are trying to gather 3 times as a whole church to pray and listen together.  On Sunday at 12:45, we will have pizza and drinks for those who want to pray and listen.  It will last an hour.  It’s a great chance to get to know other people in the church.  Come share what you have been hearing as you pray.  Come seek the Lord as we ask him to lead us into this next chapter.

Even if you’re not sure what to expect, it’s something you don’t want to miss.

God works like that a lot.