(posted Jan 29, 2008) What makes you feel strong? Perhaps it is that exact thing that God intends to leverage for his mission in the world. That's what Pastor Dion talks about in episode 8 of The Six. He also looks to you for input on next week's topic, namely how prayer fits in to your pursuit of the missional life.
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Consider it blown....
A very powerful message this week, Dion. Thank you.
I have to admit that I have spent a great deal of time focusing on my weaknesses. And I have always let those weaknesses stop me from doing what I felt God wanted me to do. I don't seem to be able to walk up to some lonely guy in a Starbucks and start up a conversation, so that means I should feel guilty about leading a discussion group? Or my faith is weak at times, so I am now unqualified to talk about faith issues with others? What kind of sense does that make?
In many ways, that actually leads into my thoughts for next week's topic. Prayer has always been one of the greatest weaknesses in my faith. I've tried all kinds of different approaches, but it never feels quite right. When I ask myself if I should pray, the question always gets answered "God already knows anyways...just be faithful to Him and it'll all work out despite some words that I speak to myself or others." When I decide to pray anyways, I find later that those prayers are answered...yet that has never seemed enough to bolster it into any regularity.
Others say that they love my prayers and nobody seems to want to pray when I'm in the group. I think that's because I'm strong in the theory of how one should pray, so I can craft a doozy at times...but the application of faith in my own heart remains far less than a mustard seed and it often feels like a meaningless act.
I know I should pray...I know how to pray...and I long for that kind of relationship with Christ. But I continue to struggle with actually making it a part of life.
Where does prayer fit into my pursuit of the missional life? Sadly, in the corner of the closet under some old boxes of comic books.
thanks for the candor. I
thanks for the candor. I love what you've said here. Great fuel for next week's episode. Thanks brett.
D
mission moments link from the podcast
I mentioned a link to the newsletter referenced in this week's podcast. Here it is
http://www.centerfor...
I mistakenly referred to it as the US Center for Mission which i think is a different organization. I should've said "the Center for US Missions"
The newsletter is called "mission moments" you can subscribe at the link above.