dream to go 16 - click to pray

Here's an idea which might (not) work. It will depend whether..

-I had a flash of creative inspiration or just drank too much caffeine
-You fancy taking part


Instructions:

1. Click on "comments" below. In the space to leave your own comment, type in one issue/pressure that you are facing at the moment. (you'll also have to enter the word verification code below it to prove you're a not spammer).

2. Read at least one comment left by someone else and pray for it straight away. You could do this in lots of ways...

-Simply tell God that what you're asking for.

-Use an action as your prayer, e.g light a candle, or hold out open hands to offer that person to God.

-Use a set prayer like "Lord Jesus Christ, son of God have mercy on ...."

3. Give yourself a reminder to pray for that person again in the next few days (eg an alarm on your phone or a note on your mirror)

Note: This is primarily directed at those involved in the Dream netowrk, but one of our core values is that we are "open", so anyone reading this can feel free to take part and in that way count themselves a part of our extended community.

This might be a one-off experiment (it was the caffeine) or become something we do from time to time or even a lot.... we'll see....

dream to go 15 - the thought that doesn't count

Dear God,

I saw something and thought of you. The perfect gift. But I didn’t get it.

It was just too expensive. Right now, I can’t afford it.

For a start I don’t have the time it would take. Have you any idea just how busy life is at the moment? So much pressure. It’s just temporary. Things will ease up in a few months. Then I’ll be able to spare more. Till then, you understand, don’t you, that there’s precious little left.

And I can’t afford the energy either. I’m tired all the time for some reason. Maybe I’m getting over a virus, or maybe it’s just the weather. Anyway my sleep hasn't been great either, so I’m lethargic. Not myself. I could really do without any extra demands.

And then money. Ouch! Don’t go there. I mean I can’t give what I haven’t got can I? In fact I reckon I’m pretty generous already anyway compared to most other people.

So I saw it and thought of you. For now it’ll have to be the thought that counts.

"King David said said to Araunah, "No. I've got to buy it from you for a good price; I'm not going to offer God, my God, sacrifices that are no sacrifice." (2 Samuel 24:24)

What if you gave God something extravagant this week? Something that will take a chunk of extra time or a load of energy or a stack of cash. Something over the top. Pure generous, reckless, wasteful, love. Pure worship.

dream to go 14 - it's about "being" not "doing"

For too many Christians, spirituality is primarily about what they do.

Go to church services, read your bible, give 10% of your money, attend meetings and get a role as a leader, children’s worker or committee member.

There’s an inner angst that creates a drive to somehow prove that they are doing enough to merit the label “Christian” and with it approval and affirmation.

But this is such a small view of the way Jesus offers.

Jesus calls us as “beings”. To be with him. To be his friends and disciples. To embrace who we are, who we were created to be.

And then from that place of security and affirmation to offer our service and generosity.

Following Jesus means following the one who came from a place of perfect “being” to become part of our world. He was content to be in obscurity of most of his life until the time came to do the stuff. Even then, before he began, he started with an affirmation” This is my son, I’m well chuffed with him!”, then spent three years only doing what his father told him to.

Don’t “do” Christianity, follow Jesus.

dream to go 13 - it's about "doing" not "being"

For too many people Christianity is primarily about being.

Being a Christian.

One day you’re not a Christian, then you pray a magic prayer and suddenly you “become a Christian”.

You have your visa for heaven and you’ve joined a new club.

But this is such a small view of the way Jesus offers.

Jesus calls us to do. It’s not about becoming a Christian as a kind of static change of state, it’s about becoming a follower of Jesus. About following him. Learning to obey him. Changing how we live to become more and more like him. Changing our worlds.
Jesus didn’t come and preach “become a Christian”. He preached “repent and turn away from evil”, “seek first God’s kingdom”, “give loads of money away”, “forgive”, “love God, neighbour, friends and enemies”.

Don’t be a Christian, follow Jesus.