Reflection: Endurance: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

           

1.     What is the longest physical endurance you have experienced?

2.     Could you continue to live fully if it had not ended? Or, how do you continue if it is ongoing?

3.     What hope or dream are you looking toward? Would anything cause you to stop before reaching it?

4.     How might creation’s labor pains become a metaphor for our prayers for our loved ones?

Share: How might that help us to not lose heart as years go by?

Endurance: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Romans 8:22

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now.”

Physical labor pains are difficult enough for a short period of time. But to consider the concept of enduring them without limit is beyond understanding. Thankfully, it can’t happen as medical professionals step in to save the lives.

Yet creation is still waiting for release. Still waiting for the new life once born in the first creation to be restored. When every day brought about a newness of life and “God saw that it was good.”

Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational trials weary us to the bone. In each situation there comes a place of decision. Do we continue to trust in new birth, new beginnings, and new beauty in God’s timing? Or does the waiting, the discomfort, the challenge, the exhaustion, the inconveniences, or the pain, pull us away from trusting in Him and His mercy. We falter. We fall.

Yet what is unattainable in our own strength and determination is possible when we are able to trust the Lord’s love and commitment to us to carry us through. No matter how long the pain endures. No matter the outcome. Because.

We are His living stones, redeemed by His mercy, precious in His sight.

Lord, please keep our hearts steadfast in Your words of life and hope and trust.

Psalm of Worship: Proverbs 8:21

“Endowing with wealth those who love me, and filling their treasuries.”

Debris: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

                       Debris

                        Like a wind-blown wave

                        crashes against a still shore

                        pounding it with debris

                        churned up in a storm

                        so our hearts, our lives,

                        actions and reactions

                        engulf those around us

                        swept up by hidden

                        currents.

Reflection: Decay: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Do you ever feel trapped in a difficult situation because of someone else’s decision?

2.     Have you ever made a choice that put someone you love in “a bondage of decay”?

3.     What attitudes toward ourselves and others can bring repair?

4.     Bring your own sense of decay before the Lord and ask for prayer this week.

Share: Is there a special word that gives you hope in the immediate circumstances?

Decay: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Romans 8:21

“That the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”

“In hope.”

In nature decay is considered a life generating essential process. A natural recycle system that decomposes in order to release enzymes that allows nutrients to be absorbed.

For us personally, decay of body, or heart, or relationships seems to us as disease, or brokenness, or rejection. Yet when brought openly into the light as medical diagnosis or honest communication healing can begin. In hope.

When we are willing to bring our darkness into God’s light, decay is recognized and we are also set free from the bondage we are engulfed in, whether caused by our own actions or by others. In hope.

In life and in death Jesus went into battle for us to obtain that freedom—that glory which is still often beyond our understanding. Yet the promise gives us His hope. Real hope.

Strength for the battle, healing for our souls, new beginnings. New nourishment. Every day. Sometimes every minute. Released from bondage.

Set free from the hidden debris we carry. New hope.

Lord, please bring Your light into each of us, so that Your glory may reside in our hearts turning our decay into Your new seeds of life.

Psalm of Worship: Proverbs 8:20

“I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice.”

Shift: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

                       Shift

                       

                        Subjection not by choice

                        carries an extra weight

                        subtle prompts of rebellion

                        crave fulfillment.

                        Decision to adjust

                        requires shift in faith

                        diligent self-weeding

                        resting on prophecy’s hope.

Reflection: Subjection: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Do you ever see subjection as a means of hope? Why?

2.     From the previous verses creation seems to participate despite lack of choice. In what circumstances would you participate rather than resist?

3.     Would your outward obedience and inner heart be in agreement? Why or why not?

Share: For either reply what would you expect as a personal consequence?

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