Longing: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

            Longing

            Like small waves

            lapping at edges

            they gathered with joy

            attracted others

            their curiosity peaked

            and heard the story

            lovingly drew side by side

            longing for truth.

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Reflection: Gathered: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     How often do you think our church gatherings ‘invite’ onlookers to participate?

2.     In what ways do we say welcome but our attitudes and actions set up restrictions?

3.     What do you long for in gathering of worship?

Share: What keeps your heart gladdened to attend worship in your community?

Gathered: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2: 46-47

“Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”

Kindness—generosity—praise—joy—in their gathering together brought the attraction of others. Created a curiosity that sought a reason or a story or a longing. Gave the new community the opportunity to share their gifts of grace and new foundations of their lives.

Life a warm fire on a cold night they lit a light of welcome.

Do we?

How often do our own emotions or barricades build silent walls? Maybe we don’t even realize it—do our best—then wonder why a visitor did not return or a family left.

A family dispute in the car—an unsettling situation at work that week—an anxious wait for a test result---can automatically turn us inward—unable, or unwilling, to share our grief as much as our joy.

Yet at the gathering here in Jerusalem the people were still under Roman rule with backbreaking consequences. Many were now exiled from their own families due to their decision to follow Jesus. His close family and friends still missed His presence. The onlookers knew much of these sorrows. So the people watching them wondered, how could they gather in praise?

How can we still gather in praise and joy in the midst of deep conflict and grief?  Extend open welcome and generosity.

Christ centered—together—sharing openly our heartaches and blessings—extending kindness by God’s grace.  Offered to each generation. Offered to each who seeks.  Recognizing another longing heart.

Opportunity to listen with care.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 27:5

“For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble;

he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;

he will set me high on a rock.”

Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

           Generosity

            Generosity flows

            when hearts feel safe

            secure in love

            that does not let go.

            Frees hands to serve

            without selfish pursuit

            solace apart from strings

            that require compensation.

            Redeemed hearts

            whisper encouragement

            strengthen all

            those who stagger.

            Recognize common ground.

            

Reflection: Community: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Do you think it is possible for groups of Christians to replicate this type of community in these times? Why? Or why not?

2.     Are there ways we can still meet each other’s needs? How?

3.     What other needs might a community be able to share together towards wholeness?

Share: What is your definition of generosity?

Community: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:43-45

“Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as they had need.”

A fresh outpouring of Spirit that bound those present into a new beginning—a new perception of grace—a new style of community.

Generous not from plenty but from trust and love. In awe of grace.

So hard for us to fully understand. So difficult to be so spontaneously trusting—even when we believe. The questions arise yearly, weekly, daily—how much time can we share—how many resources—what if this happens or that—will we be able to keep our commitments to our families or to others. What will happen if we fail? Without realizing it we forget to trust in the Spirit’s guidance and generosity.  Especially in seasons of personal poverty, whether of body or soul or resources.

How much have worldly views crept into our worship lives and colored our expectations and commitments? Are we still in awe of what the Lord has done and is doing in our own worship communities? Do we seek His guidance in trust and wonder at possibilities? Through whose lens do we watch in expectation of nurture?

Lord, please forgive our fears that keep us not only from trusting in Your ongoing provision, but also hesitant to give to others by setting our boundaries instead of seeking the guidance of Your Holy Spirit. Release us from narrow perceptions.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 27:4

“One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after:

to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.”

Fellowship: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

            Fellowship

            Life nurturing foundation

            flowing as living stones

            words of truth giving

            perspective. Fellowship

            sustaining hope consistently.

            Cost of communion

            piercing reminder of gift.

            Prayers led by Spirit

            for power, guidance, wisdom.

            Life devoted to redemptive love.