2021-10-26

P R A Y / S I N G ?


Since pray & sing together gives us pring,

if sing & pray might ever be called say,

it could be said, whatever way we'd bring

ourselves into his presence, like in prayer,

if Jesus is "the way", then we'd be there.           

     


…   …   …          In pairs, read and follow, the following:


It is possible for our concept (& practice) of prayer to get "stuck in a rut", in many ways. It is even possible to get stuck in something as broad (or as narrow) as conceiving prayer to be  "saying words to God". 


Yes, one way to think about "prayer", is simply "conversation with God", another, is simply "communication with God", yet another is "life shared with God". 


These get broader from the first (conversation with God) to third (life shared with God). The third one, "life shared with God" will include much more, but will also include "communication" with God; the second one "communication with God" will include much more, but will also include "conversations" with God.


They can work with every part of life, every kind of communication, and every method of conversing or "chatting", and, every level of intimacy. The models in our mind, of relationship intimacy with God, can be at the level of "fellow beings in the Universe", "acquaintances", friends/enemies, family members (including categories like "parent-child", & "lovers"). 


When you understand love, our relationship with God (as the scriptures lead us to discover for ourselves), and that "God IS love", you understand that God has a desired direction for growth for you.


With this in mind, go for a quiet walk to a secluded spot, on your own or with a friend, and read three or four of these scriptures out loud, while trying to respond to God's heart for you as you grow in him, to be more like the Lord Jesus.


Have a conversation about what you read. Look for real communication and hearing and understanding of each other, and share God's gift of life together in his world, in whatever parts/ways/aspects/ & varieties or expressions of life that God leads you into. 




Consider both the different genres, provinence (who wrote it?, to whom?, from where?, to where?, on what occasion?, for what purpose?) and settings (history, culture, language etc), all held together in these scriptures, as well as their words of  encouragement: 


Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.  1 Chron. 16:9 NIVUK


I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:6 NIVUK


When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me – one who is eating with me.’ They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, ‘Surely you don’t mean me?’ ‘It is one of the Twelve,’ he replied, ‘one who dips bread into the bowl with me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.’ While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,’ he said to them. ‘Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.’ When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:17‭-‬26 NIVUK


"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."     Colossians 3:12‭-‬17 NIVUK, (https://bible.com/bible/113/col.3.12-17.NIVUK)


But everything exposed by the light becomes visible – and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:13‭-‬20 NIVUK


Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 63:7 NIVUK


Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Psalm 96:1 NIVUK





















Then come back together, to continue living our lives "in Christ", growing up to the full stature of Christ, as we practice  "truthing" in love, & loving in truth, in the rest of our time together.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thanks for adding to the conversation...