Last week saw the seventh edition of the Prayer Points that have been going on since the beginning of the year. It seemed an appropriate number to have a Prayer Points Plus post that would update on some of the areas that were prayed for, appreciating that we don’t just pray as wishful thinking, but we pray in order to get some response from God.
So here goes.
Issue: On the first Prayer-Points (we-110108) I mentioned the Church Gathering for Mutual Edification. I read quite a bit on the subject thanks to Alan Knox who went through a series on the subject.
Update: Since then I’ve had the opportunity to practice elements of this with others in the new place that I’m starting to attend. It is still early days and perhaps the best format has not emerged as yet in which I can explore it further, but stay tuned for further updates on an area I am keen to work on. Church experience as one of being mutually edifying requires a shift from certain current expressions of church and I’m happy to be a part of that incrementally, steadily, but intentionally and deliberately.
Issue: On the Prayer-Points (we 110115) I asked you to pray for Arthur Sido whose blog The Voice Of One Crying Out In Suburbia is one of the best I’ve come across for so many reasons. The particular point of prayer for Arthur was on his mission to Haiti as well as his house move.
Update: The house move seems to be going alright so far. It is with regard to his findings from Haiti that it is well worth your while reading the entries he’s written since this date. To say it’s an answer to prayer only to inspire other prayers is an understatement and a half.
Issues: On Prayer-Points (we 110122) I addressed briefly the case of the B&B that was found guilty of discriminating against a homosexual couple on religious grounds. I used that as a springboard to ask you to prayerfully consider the issues surrounding this episode.
Update: I love it when God answers prayers in ways you were not expecting because since that issue, the news media picked up on plans to allow civil partnership ceremonies to take place in religious buildings. The furore it caused safely obscured the real issue for believers on this issue. It’s not a legislation forcing religious buildings to accept same-sex partnerships or give them their blessing as though the state is dictating to religions what is right or wrong. It is also a reminder that we cannot assume non-Christian states will enforce or enact Christian versions of righteousness. Our response must be Kingdom based, Jesus-glorifying and of benefit to those who wish to see God’s alternative. So thank God for this opportunity to be challenged not to follow others agenda, but 
see God’s in the ones we view.
Issue: Finally in the updates from previous Prayer-Points, last week’s list (we 110219) touched on the brilliant work of Dan Edelen.
Update: Just when I thought it wasn’t possible to continue the good run of blog entries even in the week since my request he has produced something that we all, whatever country we follow Jesus in, need to consider when it comes to following in the freedom in which he sets us free. Seriously take the time out to check out part one and part two of his look into a fundamental aspect of discipleship. As a good quote to consider as to why the entries are outstanding, check this:
We drive our kids to take on a million worthless activities so they can get into a worthless Ivy League college to gain a worthless career that makes worthless money so they can be a worthless person surrounded by worthless stuff that receives the worthless approval of other worthless people.
That bit is in part one and then if you don’t think that is intriguing enough then get a load of this quote from part two.
The problem for the Church in America is that we are often worse than the hapless business world of Dilbert. We pile all sorts of junk onto the mission of Jesus, then we wonder why the mission goes awry and the people who are a part of it seem to reflect the opposite of “the joy of the Lord.”
So in a very real way it’s almost as if the prayer responses come full circle as the call for the church to mutually build itself to be the church will remember who it serves and not be captive to other things. That perhaps is the biggest Prayer-Point as we go further.
Please continue to pray that God will give us insight into how He answers prayers and what He expects us to do in the light of that response. More brand new Prayer-Points next week, should God spare my life. Until then as ever …
Have a great weekend.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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