February 2016

Have you ever noticed the kinds of situations that compel you to pray? 
 
For many people, the high moments prompt shouts of “hallelujah” and “thank you, Lord!”  It happens when we are made aware of exciting news, or even relief to a distressing circumstance.  We are right to pray during such times!

For many others, the low moments bring us to our knees.  When the wheels fall off the wagon, and despair arrives like an unwanted houseguest, we ask God for help, for strength, and even for intercession.  We are right to pray during these times as well.
 
But what about life “in between,” those moments when we neither sing the blues nor dance a jig?   If we pray to God during the highs and lows of life, then we ought to examine our prayers during the seemingly tranquil times linking them all together.  A sampling of these prayers may be tissue-thin, because an ordinary, ho-hum day too often drives us toward more entertainment, more consumption, or more work. 
 
What if an ordinary Sabbath day led you to more prayer?
 
Our ministry theme, “RESToration,” invites us to take seriously God’s gift of holy rest.  During January, we have reflected on the value and purpose of Sabbath – a weekly “Stop Day” – for the sake of living within the rhythm of God’s love.  Our fast-paced lives long for peace and balance, and we move closer to experiencing this when we remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. 
 
In the season of Lent, “RESToration” will emphasize prayer.  A life of prayer, firmly grounded in connection with God, stabilizes our otherwise chaotic life.  How beautiful is a prayer emanating from a place of quiet Sabbath rest! 
 
To help foster prayer and holy rest during Lent, I invite to consider becoming a “Lenten Prayer Partner.”  If so, you will commit to two things: 1) praying daily for your Lenten Prayer Partner and 2) asking weekly if he/she has kept the Sabbath.  The purpose is to promote more intentional patterns of prayer while also holding each other accountable for remembering the Sabbath.  It’s simple: contact the church office by Monday, February 8 at Noon to sign up; the church office will match you with another FUMC member and then notify you about who your Lenten Prayer Partner will be. 
 
I looking forward to discovering how God will bring about ongoing restoration in our lives through prayer and holy rest. 
 
 Lenten Blessings,
 Pastor Mark