The second thought I have had about this “approach to God” has to do with coming to God “as we are.”

Self-Awareness

Pray as you can and do not try to pray as you can’t. Dom Chapman

That parable that Jesus tells of a tax collector and a Pharisee is one that comes to mind when I think of the quote above (Lk 18.10-13). The Pharisee prays from a very righteous place, while the tax collector acknowledges his more realistic place before God. Jesus’ point is that we are to come to God in prayer - not as we desire or long or wearing a mask to find God’s approval - but coming to our Mighty God with an awareness that we are not worthy of a relationship, save the mercy found in Jesus. To approach God with self-awareness is to fight the temptation of employing pious language and acting more accepting of God’s will than reflects our personal reality.

When we only bring that “holy” part of ourselves before God, what are we sacrificing? When we fail to approach God in all our honesty, fully self-aware, it seems we fail to bring our whole selves, those parts which need to come bare and honest before God. We fail to bring our real need. We fail to trust God’s acceptance, mercy, power and love to deal with our imperfections and sin.

May we come to God and pray as we can - not using words or language that puffs us up or covers us up.

“Lord, have mercy on me a sinner.”

I have been thinking as I have fumbled about my small farmette quite a bit about the topic of how I approach God. This is a shift in the way I have thought about prayer and worship. For many years I was glad to think about prayer methods and pray forms, as well as, God’s role in prayer - but lately…

I am thinking that our approach to prayer and more importantly our approach to the Person of our prayers is worthy of my consideration. As I have thought about this, I began to think it would be a worthy topic for this blog. So I will be posting some short (or maybe shorter) thoughts on this idea. I am not a golfer - but I know the “approach shot” is critical to beating or making par. I am not a pilot - but the approach to the runway… well it goes without saying. I am a husband and a father - and the way I approach my daughter or my wife makes a difference between tears and a cold shoulder or a smile and hug. So, I think it is with our Creator and Redeemer. So - On the Approach - first take:

Our Approach is Communal:

“He who has not the Church as there Mother, has not God as there Father.” Cyprian

As I approach God I have been thinking that it is important to know that I don’t come alone. Although I may be alone (as Jesus put it - “shut in my closet”) yet, I have been taught to pray, “Our Father,” “Give us” and “Forgive us.” All plural phrases (Mt. 6.6-ff)… I also keep in mind that reference from the author of Hebrews who reminds us that there is a “cloud of witnesses” about us as we pursue our faith (He 12.1,2).

So as I approach God communally it reminds me:
1. It is not about me. There is little room for independence (my way; my wants; my demands or my ‘best interest’) - but acres of area for interdependence.
2. God’s story and mission involves and is big enough to embrace me - but it is not merely for me or featuring me.
3. Prayer involves interceding on behalf of others.
4. Prayer places me in community and incorporates me into God and the Body of Christ. As I approach God communally I find my identity and my purposes in the midst of the Trinity and God’s body - the Church.
5. I don’t come before God alone; I am joined by Saints living and asleep and with Jesus and the Spirit of God on my behalf.

Some recent thoughts on our approach… we approach God in a communal manner and there find communion.

I know it is a leap - but given that you buy into the premise from the earlier post, what are the implications for youth ministry of reconciling a divorce between a rational and systematic theological approach with a more holistic faith and practical theology? That is the topic I would like to make an attempt at addressing here.

1. Restoring doubt as a companion to faith
For too long, doubt has been demonized in Christianity. Doubting Thomas has been ridiculed, doubt is perceived as sin and at times the reason why our lives go awry or prayers unanswered. The problem with this - is that besides being inaccurate, it introduces unneeded stress to young people causing them to wonder, “if I doubt, have I fallen out of relationship with God and Christ?” The opposite of faith is not doubt. The opposite of faith is certainty. In the face of a certain thing - faith is not necessary. We know without faith it is impossible to please God - so faith is absolutely essential in this journey of the Christian Faith. With faith - hoping in the face of uncertainty - doubt will accompany us. This is what we must help young people understand - that when we doubt, it provides the opportunity to exercise trust in our Good, Great and Merciful God. Our teaching must move away from making our faith “bullet proof” and allow for the shadows, the mystery and the dark corners that result in being in relationship with the God of the Universe (who was a “cloud” by day and pillar of fire by night - both images don’t provide the incandescent certainty we might desire!?). Such a view of doubt will allow for young people to enter a relationship built on genuine trust and faith (rather than facts and certainty - that are really not possible this side of eternity).

2. Versus verses - recapturing the narrative
In the past 100 or more years we have surgically dissected the bible transforming it from a narrative to a prescription of points, propositions and principles (NOTE - most things dissected are no longer living?!). It isn’t unusual for a youth pastor or preacher to build a whole message on the basis of one or two verses - out of which a number of points and “living principles” might be taught. While this isn’t the end of the world - I don’t think it gets at the intended purpose of why God gave us the revelation contained in the Older and New Testament. The narrative of the Bible shares one over arching story told to us through hundreds of smaller stories. I would encourage us to get back to relearning and helping young people encounter and begin to live within this story that continues to unfold. I think we need to get beyond the numeric verses to the whole story. Seeing our story shaped by God’s story of creation, incarnation and recreation - this I believe is the purpose of God’s revelation and what can begin to transform individuals, communities and our world.

3. Beyond spontaneous prayer
In the traditions I affiliated for most of my Christian life - praying was a spontaneous affair (aside from the occasional recitation of The Lord’s Prayer). It wasn’t unusual for people to be labeled as ‘great prayers’ (which actually seems sort of odd - for it wasn’t a designation signifying that they prayed effectual prayers - merely that they were great at saying a memorable and cogent spontaneous prayer). My sense is that prayer is 1. more than saying the first things that come to mind and 2. more than talking to God. Prayer is 1. an act and declaration of faith, 2. a surrendering of our will and way to God’s will and way, 3. communication and communion, and finally (at the very least) 4. an offering of our worship.

If that is a true representation of prayer, then there is room for our prayer to go beyond spontaneous spoken prayer. This makes room for all people (those good at spontaneously speaking to God and those not so good at that discipline) to come before God using written prayers (there is a great heritage of written prayers to be mined from the Church’s history). Written prayer provides a great opportunity to teach us what to pray for and how to pray. Written prayers also allow for us to meditate on the ancient words and allowing for space to listen for God’s voice in the midst of our meditation. Written prayers are a wonderful corporate discipline - helping a community find it’s identity in common prayer and having the encouragement of hearing one another recite the words of faith to God who is listening. Finally, a prayer life that employs both spontaneous and written prayers gains the advantage that when we don’t have words to pray (in life’s disappointments, or moments of doubt, or times of stress) we can rely on those oft recited words we have learned through written prayers.

4. Returning the baptismal and table to a place of prominence
The final implication that I will point out in this post is that a reconciled faith (that brings both the head, heart and hand together under a narrative theology) allows room for mystery and the “unanswerable” (ie. the mystical). In youth ministry we need to push the lectern (or music stand) out of the center of our meeting spaces and allow room for the baptismal and the table. We need to see spiritual formation as a process that takes place outside of just our brain. Right beliefs are important (we need to rightly understand that the God of the Universe is good, gracious, great and faithful) - but equally important is a right will and right behaviors and right relationships.

For too long we have educated individuals into the community of Faith, but this in my estimation is wholly inadequate. Jesus invited by both example and command to honor the practice of baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist) as practices that would shape our Christian identity. In too many places these rites have been stripped of any enduring power to transform our lives and relationships and become merely acts of obedience. Baptism has lost any sense of identity formation and become a way to testify to the world of our changed relationship to God and Communion (Eucharist) has become a monthly remembrance of Christ’s death on our behalf (a memorial). While I wouldn’t argue that those are wrong reasons to practice baptism and communion - I would say that there is much more to the story. I would argue that Baptism ushers us into a new relationship with God that allows us to be IN God and God to reside IN us (we rehearse and participate with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection). I would suggest that in communion we do remember the death of Christ, but that in that meal we are also ushered in a mystical way into the very presence of God that is unique to sharing the bread and wine. We commune with God in this meal - we are ushered INTO God and God resides IN us - it’s a paradox, a mystery, a new way to relate to God (each time we partake of this meal).

The sacraments of Baptism and Communion need to find new space and new meaning in our youth ministries. These practices need to be seen not merely as symbols - but also practices instituted by God to restore us to our original image.

Again, enough for now. Peace.

It is a prayer of depth, reach, gratitude and mission - now that is a prayer. I pray it sometimes without thinking about it - which is tragic (and which Jesus warned us about). Ahhh, but those times I pray it from the heart it transforms my whole way… and day. I think of this prayer often in the Spring. When I seen the newly planted spring flowers and plants develop each day, I think of this prayer. When I see the sun shining down and the plants reaching up, I think of this prayer. As the young plants reaching for the sun begin to stand tall and open wide their petals, I think of this prayer. It is an amazing time of year (and thus, an amazing time to pray this missional prayer?). Unfortunately too often I walk by the spring flowers and growth without noticing, but those times I do, it causes no small amount of wonder and I become again mindful of this prayer.

It is a prayer that causes me to tremble in fear and in gratitude (and maybe it will bring an equal response from you). I hope you will join me in praying this lovely closing prayer from Morning Prayer found in the Book of Common Prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.
(BCP p. 101)

I hate clocks and watches - they become a prison for me that I can’t escape. I become obsessed with, “what time is it” and “being on time” and meeting “dead” lines. For me living by the clock or watch makes me “times” prisoner rather than a means to “keep” time. In fact clocks and watches often prevent me from entering fully the precious moment I am in– as I am always trying to grasp the next moment to come (playing “beat the clock”). Many years ago (about 10) I gave up the “wrist manacle” and began to live free from a time keeper.

In light of that… I have stopped watching watches and offer the following little bits and piece I have picked up over the years on the mechanical ticking that can tie us up.

“Clocks slay time… time is dead as long as it is being clicked off by little wheels; only when the clock stops does time come to life.” ~William Faulkner

“…being attentive to the times of the day: when the birds began to sing, and the deer came out of the morning fog, and the sun came up. The reason why we don’t take time is a feeling that we have to keep moving. This is a real sickness. We live in the fullness of time. Every moment is God’s own good time, His kairos (gk. for opportune time). The whole thing boils down to giving ourselves in prayer a chance to realize that we have what we seek. We don’t have to rush after it. It was there all the time and if we give it time, it will make itself known to us.” ~Thomas Merton

“One act is required - and that is all: for this one act pulls everything together and keeps everything in order… This one act is to stand with attention in your heart.” ~Theophan the Recluse

“Nevertheless I am alway with you: for you hold me by my right hand.” (Psalm 73.23)

That last verse from The Book of Psalms is one that I like to keep in mind - when I “instinctual” want to look at the clocks time - to remind me - no watch on my right hand, but God is with me! So enter into the NOW - for “there” is where time is full and God is present.

Those closest to Jesus were confused during this final week of his life (not able or wanting to come to terms with the finality of Jesus’ language during this week) and even one would be used by evil to deliver him to death; but one disciple would bring him a moment of joy during this extremely difficult week. It was not one of the usual suspects - Peter, James or John - or any of the other “Twelve.” It was Mary of Bethany (according to John) that brought a years worth of quality perfume and anointed Jesus in the midst of his time at an evening dinner. She just lavished him; anointed him with sweet smelling perfume as an act of devotion and an act of surrender to cast her lot with Jesus’ mission (not to be overlooked she also probably just spent a good deal of her inheritance on Jesus). This act a moment of beauty and extravagance, a moment of clarity and a moment of confirmation in the midst of Jesus’ week was one that seemed to be profound in the Messiah’s estimation - as he declared, “wherever the Gospel is preached in the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered.” (Mt. 26.13)

Epistle: Hebrews 9.16-28

Gospel: Matthew 26.14-25

Psalm: 22 and 26

Prayer: from Psalm 22:

I will proclaim your name to my brethren: in the midst of the assembly I will praise you; “You who fear the Lord, praise him; all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to him; revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not spurned nor disdained the wretched man in his misery Nor did he turn his face away from him, but when he cried out to him, he heard him.” So by your gift will I utter praise in the vast assembly; I will fulfill my vows before those who fear him. The lowly shall eat their fill; they who seek the Lord shall praise him: “May your hearts be ever merry!” All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; All the families of the nations shall bow down before him. For dominion is the Lord’s and he rules the nations. To him alone shall bow down all who sleep in the earth; Before him shall bend all who go down into the dust. And to him my soul shall live; my descendants shall serve him. Let the coming generation be told of the Lord that they may proclaim to a people yet to be born the justice he has shown.

Unexpected. We get jaded. We have heard it all. Few things surprise and startle us anymore - we get real time feedback of every tragedy and every news worthy story - we hear it as it unfolds; and over time nothing really shocks us. Forecasts of everything from the future stock price to the weather prepares us for anything. We woke up to a covering of snow this morning and just 60 or so years ago - before doppler radar and computer weather modeling - it would have been “unexpected.” Israel expected a king - a king like David and they expected a prophet - a prophet like Moses; but the Son of God? God in the flesh sent by the Father above? How? God is one. Unexpected, to say the least. It is all coming to a head on this Tuesday of Holy Week as Jesus makes his words more clear, bolder and as he confronts the religious leaders, sealing his fate.

Old Testament: Isaiah 49.1-6

New Testament: John 12.37-50

Psalm: 22 & 25

Prayer: We cast our prayers at the feet of Christ our saviour, who has redeemed us by his death and resurrection:

Almighty and ever-living God, make us celebrate the Lord’s passion worthily
and thereby deserve pardon for our sins.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.

An extremely busy and active week unfolds for Jesus as he approaches the pinnacle of his purpose for coming to live among us. One of the Psalm’s that is rehearsed on every Monday of Lent (an old tradition) is Psalm 23 and I can’t help but think how comforting that song of David might have been to Jesus as he progressed through this week. I also am challenged to think, “Are our churches places like David describes in that Psalm?” My experience unfortunately has been to find the Church competing with the culture around it to gain peoples attention with full calendars and endless activity. Maybe being distinct from our culture and offering a haven of quiet and a refuge of rest is what our stressed and adrenaline-addicted world needs.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 63.1-19

New Testament Reading: John 12.20-36

Psalm: 22, 23, & 24

Prayer: Please, Lord, guide my mind with your truth.
Strengthen my life by the example of Jesus.
Help me to be with Jesus in this week
as he demonstrates again his total love for me.
He died so that I would no longer be separated from you.
Help me to feel how close you are and to live in union with you.

note: Artwork by Michael D. Obrien

Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem for His last passover and it is quite an event. Jesus enters as King of Peace (riding astride a Donkey in contrast to conquering kings who would enter on a horse of war). Entering the City of Peace (Jerusalem) as a King who is bringing peace. In the midst of anything but a calm and tranquil entrance - Jesus comes to bring peace - the Hebrew word for peace is Shalom. Shalom is a state of wholeness, completeness to be at peace with all things - God, self, others and creation. This certainly wasn’t grasped - in the midst of the shouting and singing this Sunday morning - don’t miss the King of Peace - allow Him again to enter your world bringing wholeness.

NT Readings: Mark 11.1-26; Philippians 2.5-11

Psalm: Psalm 22

Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, who in your tender love towards mankind sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature and to suffer death upon the cross so that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility, grant that we may both follow the example of his patience and also have our part in his resurrection, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

I feel an affinity to Celtic Christianity for a variety of reasons:

-it was indigenous - first Christian mission that was not first Romanized (Civilized) before being Christianized
-it was about community / very tribal (belonging to the community often preceded having faith in the Christian message)
-it saw hospitality as a means of being Christ to another and placed a high value on the practice
-monasticism was at the center of their practice of Christianity and integral to its expansion
-it celebrated natural revelation
-it sacramental-ized every day acts - the folding of clothes, the making of beds, the awakening of fire/coals, etc (making them acts of praise/prayer)
-it provided a place for beauty and aesthetics
-it was unequivocally trinitarian
-the openness to God’s activity in revealing Himself right NOW

These are things that readily come to mind as I consider what the Celtic Church offers [and much of what they offer is needed in our world today]. For this reason I celebrate today with many in the Church who thank God for St. Patrick and his faithfulness in carrying on God’s story of redeeming and restoring this world.

The prayer that follows is very famous, The Breastplate of St. Patrick (note it’s themes of protection) - it is a prayer of lyrical beauty and carries many of the themes discussed above. I encourage you to pray it today as we remember St. Patrick.

The Breastplate of St. Patrick
(also referred to as St. Patrick’s Lorica)

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through the belief in the threeness,
Through the confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness,
Of the Creator of Creation.