|
“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to
stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they
may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.
But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to
your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will
reward you.” – Matthew 6:5-6
In 1967 a group of time management experts presented a devastating report to the US Senate. It asserted that the speed of technology, satellites, and robotics could create a big problem for the American workplace. “By 1985 people might have to choose between working 22 hours a week, 27 weeks a year, or retiring at age 38.” Wow, they were sure close on that one!
Rather than creating the problem of not enough work to go around, those things have created a situation where we are more addicted to speed and obsessed with hurry. We are hurrying like our lives depend on it. We wear busy-ness like a badge of honor, like we are performing. We want people to know how busy we are so they will know how important and valuable we are – as if there is a performance review for life. (And we ALL love performance reviews, right?!)
Jesus says, “Stop!” You are not in a show. God is not looking for humans to ‘perform’ to earn God’s love. God’s love does not require a performance review.
This Lent we will, as best we can, simply and honestly seek to reconnect with an unhurried God. We will turn around (the definition of “repent”) from unrealistic expectations on ourselves and others. To do this, we will be providing a couple of opportunities outside of worship. We are inviting everyone to set aside a ‘time out’ space at home. It can be very simple, a chair and a candle, a space on the back deck (as it gets a little warmer), whatever helps you to find a time out. You may have already received the first of three mailings from the Connections team. They will include some thoughts, scriptures, and a song to help center your prayer. Also, on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Nate and Owen will lead a 10 minute ‘time out’ for prayer. This will be live on the church’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. And, of course, we will be doing a little slowing down in worship on Sunday mornings. I also want to remind you about the Everyday Sanctuary app. Everyday Sanctuary is a satisfying spiritual practice in 5 minutes or less, everywhere you are. It can be found at https://everydaysanctuary.com/.
Many blessings on this Journey of Lent as we travel together to and
through the cross to the resurrection.
Shalom,
Pastor Owen
| 
