BIRTHDAYS

2/27 Glenn Decker


SUNDAY READINGS

Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 95:6-11
Romans 5:1-11
John 4:5-26,39-42

February 20, 2008

From the Rector's Desk - On Prayer

Over the next several weeks I would like to share some reflections on classic disciplines that are gifts to us during Lent, as well as the rest of the year. They’re part of what we ‘take on’ during this season, even as Lent is commonly associated with what is given up. Since its beginning in the early 4th century this season of preparation has been associated with prayer, penitence, fasting and almsgiving, all of which form an important part of our journey toward the celebration of new life.

Volumes have been written on prayer over the centuries, so I can only scratch the surface in these few paragraphs. But prayer is the thing that we all agree is needed and helpful, yet I think most of us struggle to include it in our lives to the degree that we would like. Richard Foster, who has done much to renew the life of the church through its disciplines, agrees. In his book entitled simply “Prayer”, he offers that “we yearn for prayer and we hide from prayer. We are attracted to it and repelled by it. We believe prayer is something we should do, even something we want to do, but it seems like a chasm stands between us and actually praying.” I can relate to that.

Perhaps we are distant from prayer because we’re afraid that its something we can’t do very well…’that’s for other people’. We’ve picked up the idea that it is something we must master, rather than something we simply enter into. It’s helpful to remember that we are made to have friendship with God—that’s the picture in the story of creation. Prayer is part of the language of that friendship. We know that Jesus’ life revolved around prayer, and that spiritual people through the ages have learned to include in their lives a daily pattern of prayer. In fact, the Lord’s Prayer, itself, is a great place to start, if you desire to grow in the depth and practice of prayer. It begins with worship, then invites God’s will and Kingdom to have sway. It petitions for daily needs, seeks forgiveness (even as it is offered to others) and prays for protection in holy living. The prayer then concludes with worship and affirmation of the kingdom and glory of the Lord. This pattern can be adapted to many different types of prayer and settings.

Sometimes we struggle with prayer because of our busy lives. It is true that we should try to set aside time to pray. That helps us to listen to God, even as we are praying, so that prayer becomes communication. It also centers us in the reality of God’s love and presence, so we shouldn’t easily give up that goal. But we can learn to pray on the move, if we must. It’s at least preferable to not praying at all, and something that I have learned to do, even as I grow in setting aside quiet seasons of prayer. Over time, we can learn to fill empty moments throughout the day with prayers to God and a listening heart, making us more aware of God’s presence in all the places of our lives and of the love he has for us and that he desires to show through us to others.

There are many types of prayer---personal, corporate, contemplative, meditative, centering, healing, lectio divina, etc, etc., so it can seem overwhelming. But remember that Lent is a journey, and a journey is walked step by step. So decide to begin something new in prayer, or to take the next step, knowing that you will not master prayer in your lifetime—that’s not the goal. But prayer brings us closer to God, sharpening our eyesight and hearing and reception for the things of God. It changes us, even as we often petition God for some other specific outcome.

In addition to the Lord’s Prayer, try the Psalms as a place to begin. They are wonderful as prayers. There are also many rich written prayers in the various Prayer Books that have been compiled. As you move deeper into the discipline of prayer you’ll discover many other able guides—those who have written on prayer throughout the centuries. A few would include St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, Thomas a Kempis, E.M. Bounds, Andrew Murray, Phyllis Tickle, etc...

As we learn to resist the crush of the world and lean in to God in prayer, our lives will change. Life will not necessarily be easier, but we will have a greater sense of God’s presence and purpose with us, and what he is calling us to be and to do. I welcome your own thoughts on this, and how God has been teaching you in the places of prayer.

“Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”

And Lord, grow our prayers, even as you grow us as those who pray. Amen.Blessings and peace,
Jay+


The Rev. Jay L. Greener, Rector
Church of the Redeemer
frjay@redeemernorthshore.org


Wednesday Lenten Prayer

Lent is marked by several disciples that we can take on for the forty day journey. They are prayer, penitence, self-denial (such as fasting) and almsgiving, or giving to the poor. Our Wednesday evening prayer gatherings will continue during lent with new urgency. Join us for worship and prayer that will conclude, during Lent, with the liturgy for Compline, a brief service offered at the end of the day. We meet at 7 p.m. at the Evangelical Church in Highland Park.


Rwanda Tea (and coffee) - February 26

Next Tuesday evening will be an opportunity for people to learn more about Sonrise School in Rwanda and the ways we partner with Mustard Seed Ministries. The meeting will begin at 7pm at the home of Fritz and Liz Thomas, 514 Essex Rd, Kenilworth, next Tuesday, February 26th. If you would like to attend please reply to this email, redeemer@redeemernorthshore.org


Confirmation - Beginning This Sunday at 9 a.m.

The Church of the Redeemer is entering into a period of preparing those that desire to be confirmed in the faith by Bishop John Rucyahana during his visit with us in late April. These classes will begin Sunday, February 24 at 9 a.m., and will continue most Sundays until April 20, with confirmation on April 27. Confirmation is open to all baptized Christians that have not been previously confirmed, and who are at least 15 years of age (individual exceptions on age may be made).

This includes those coming from other traditions that wish to align more closely with Church of the Redeemer and the Anglican Church of Rwanda, as well as those baptized as infants who will now stand and publicly own their faith as maturing disciples of Jesus Christ. As theologian J.I. Packer affirms, ‘confirmation becomes a profound occasion of commitment or recommitment, and of witness to the saving work of Christ embraced by faith’. Bishop Rucyahana will lay hands on the confirmands and pray for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit and a release of their gifts and baptismal calling into the body of Christ.

For preparation we will be using JI Packer’s book “Growing in Christ”, especially the sections on the Apostles Creed and the Ten Commandments, as well as several other important discussions (ie. What is ‘Anglican’ and the role of the Sciptures in our life of faith). Commitment to reading the assigned passages and class attendance is required. We will have Packer's books available at a discount.

If you would like to enter this process of confirmation, please contact our church office, redeemer@redeemernorthshore.org or at (847) 681-2872.


Ladies' Tea - March 1

All ladies of Redeemer (Jr. High and up) are invited to the Ladies’ Tea on March 1, 3-4:30 p.m. at the Deckers’ house (2708 Hartzell, Evanston). Our time will including a tea taste testing and presentation on tea by Laura Speece. Please RSVP to Danielle Miller at (847) 612-5555 or dmiller@stablegroup.com, or by calling the church office at (847) 681-2872. You can also sign up at the Welcome Table on Sundays.


Redeemer Kids Corner

Redeemer Kids is looking for painters or decoraters who would be interested in working on preparing some space for our Sunday morning children's ministry. For futher details or to offer a hand, please contact Allyson Entner at allyson@redeemernorthshore.org.


Redeemer Youth Ministries

THIS SATURDAY, February 23 – The Jr. High Students will be serving the couples in the congregation who have infants and children by babysitting Saturday Feb. 23 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. while the couples spend time together. Let me know if you want to come and serve.

Time and Place: Redeemer Lutheran Saturday Feb. 23 from 4-7 pm.
Provided: Pizza and pop.
RSVP: Ryan at redeemer@redeemernorthshore.org

Sr. High – N.O.W. Our Leap Year Night of Worship (N.O.W) is coming up Friday February 29th. This will allow us to spend an evening together for worship this month.

Have a great week!


Prayer Notes. . .

  • for the Mission and Vision and Outreach of Church of the Redeemer
  • for our Rector, Fr. Jay, and his family
  • for Bishop Sandy and Gigi Greene
  • for our staff and their families
  • for our leadership (Vestry, ministry leaders)
  • for all who suffer illness, hardship and discouragement
  • for this season of waiting and anticipating God's action and vision at Redeemer
  • for the Anglican Church of Rwanda, its leaders and people
  • for all who serve within the context of our faith community
  • that we would faithfully reach out to the spiritually disconnected and hurting, and bring them into fellowship
  • for other congregations in relationship to us
  • for our growth and journey in this season of Lent
  • for those who need jobs and provision
  • to enrich and expand our life of prayer