A MESSAGE FROM REV. KAREN KINNEY: CONVERSATION WITH A LOVING GOD
Grace and peace to you,
In her book Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism, Martha Reese writes this: “…I am clear that the only way to do ministry successfully, to lead a church or to live a life in today’s United States is to pray deeply.”[1] She also writes: “Prayer is the way to stay in love with God. Prayer is the way individuals, small groups and congregations grow and become vivid. It is a habit, a discipline, but not discipline with a clenched jaw.”[2]
I invite us all to reflect on these two statements 
as we come closer to Sunday, where we will be exploring this whole notion of prayer as a key component of discipleship and apostleship (student, follower, messenger). How does prayer (conversation with a loving God) undergird and strengthen everything we do as faithful individuals and a congregation? How has prayer guided us, moved us, and helped us discern where God is guiding us?
How comfortable are you praying with others? Or is prayer a solitary practice for you? How did the disciples pray together? How did Jesus pray and what did he say about prayer to us? That is part of what we will explore this Sunday as we look at two passages: Matthew 6:5-15 (which includes the Lord’s Prayer), and James 5:13-18. The power of prayer cannot be underestimated but what makes prayer uncomfortable?
Reese invites us to consider five suggestions about prayer[3]:
- A prayer life has two aspects – individual prayer and prayer with other people. These two facets of prayer are inseparable.
- Trusting God for guidance is counter-intuitive. It is particularly tough for self-reliant Americans.
- We need someone to help us learn prayer… prayer isn’t some sweet, nice, safe, naïve little activity to do in your flowery hat. It is crash helmet action for people who flip kayaks in raging spring rivers. If you want to begin to pray seriously, please find a guide who knows the spiritual currents before your kayak sideswipes boulders under the water’s surface.
- We need discernment and accountability… we need practice, accountability to a group of Christians, and wise counselors to help us discern which ideas are nudges from God and how they should be acted upon.
What are the ways we pray already? How do we not let corporate prayers become rote, devoid of meaning? What are the opportunities to pray together? Most Wednesdays at 1 p.m., there is a small team that comes together to pray for the church, for individuals, for anything or anyone the Spirit lays upon their heart. Is this something you might consider or maybe we think about having several prayer teams? Lots upon which to reflect!
Come and see. Come and explore this Sunday!
Blessings,
Pastor Karen
[1] Martha Grace Reese. 2008. Unbinding the Gospel : Real Life Evangelism. St. Louis, Mo.: Chalice Press, page 42.
[2] Ibid, page 46
[3] Ibid, pages 52-53