Week 4, Day 5

+ We draw near to God, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.

Silence

Readings

Silence

Commitment

• We are committed to uncluttered church, focused on mission, rooted in local culture and equipping all to develop and use their God-given gifts.

Where has life become cluttered, unfocussed, or dislocated recently?

What gifts are needed in the local church, the local community at the moment?

Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus, ‘What do you want me to do for you?'

How do you answer Jesus?

Jesus, preserve us

from the trappings of church life,

from endless discussions

about things that have no weight

or relevance in your kingdom.

Jesus, protect us

from distractions and trinkets

that blur your vision in us.

Jesus, deepen in us

a love for the rhythms

that surround us;

the cultural joys of

our streets

and parks

and homes

and places of refuge.

Raise up among us

men and women

young people and children

with the gifts needed

to build your kingdom here.

Give us the sight to spot

the gifts already here that

need to be encouraged,

and given oxygen, light,

compost - whatever it takes

for these gifts to grow!

Make us muck-loving

gardeners in your kingdom!

Free prayer

The Lord's Prayer

Lord, in your mercy

Let your kingdom come!