This morning I felt the need to write about prayer and life. I have been away from writing about prayer for several weeks now. Since my life picked-up speed with a new appointment at Franklin First UMC as Pastor of Congregational Care and Worship, I’ve been full, overflowing with gratefulness and praying daily that I might learn and be able to do ministry with this amazing congregation.

As I reflect on the life God has blessed me with during this season, working part-time at Franklin First and finishing my full-time Chaplain residency at Vanderbilt University Hospital, I am grateful for the work God presents me and for God encouraging my saying, “Yes”.

My season and this year’s Spring season are walking hand-in-hand. The feeling is one full of hope, newness, re-created-ness and images of resurrection. No more death, only hope of life anew.

On good days, when the sun is shining, much of my work feels like a prayer of celebration….but on the not-so-good days, when the clouds are rolling in and the pollen count is high…my prayer takes on a different feel. A more dependent feel, wondering if God is in charge of the “plan” or if I’m wandering thru my prayer life alone? Either way God is surely there. Often my prayer to families who are going through crisis’s in the hospital is to remind them that God never leaves us, even in times of uncertainty, fear, doubt, and death…that doesn’t mean we can’t ask for God to show up, show us God’s-self, God’s mercy, God’s peace, and God’s new direction.

Understanding life is a constant challenge. I’m not sure we ever will…just the allusion that we are. Understanding God, however, is faith. Faith in knowing there will be all kinds of seasons in our life that require prayer…that insist on prayer…that invite us to prayer.

What is your prayer today?

What life prayer will you sit with today?

What will you and God work on together this day?

Life is Prayer,

Regina

This Sunday is the first sermon of a five-week sermon series on Practices of Fruitful Congregations. I will be speaking about hospitality.

 

Hospitality happens to be a practice I greatly value, because without the practice of hospitality, life becomes self centered and hopeless.

 

Hospitality is the practice of giving oneself away for the sake of others.

 

Many years ago I was the recipient of radical Christ-like hospitality on a cold and icy winter night. An ice storm covered Nashville in a two-hour period. I became stranded on Hillsboro Road unable to make it home. There was a co-worker who lived roughly 10 miles away from where I parked my car, so I set out to walk to my friend’s house. The ice made the deserted roads even more treacherous for walking.

 

As I started out on my cold journey without proper winter attire, along came a man, with his young son, in a Jeep who asked me if I needed a ride home. I said, “no sir, there’s no way I’ll make it home over the hills I have to travel…it’s too icy”.

And then he asked…”would you like to spend the night with us?”

 

I’m not sure who were entertaining angels, but mine had shown up in a four-wheel drive Jeep with a heart for hospitality. After I climbed in we pulled up to a two-story historic farmhouse off Tyne Boulevard.

 

I was given my own bedroom with gown, robe, slippers and toothbrush. The next morning I was nourished by Irish oats, English crumpets, hot coffee, and orange juice.

 

The ice began to melt and the roads cleared. I left my angels and drove home.

 

I have more stories of how hospitality has touched my life. For each encounter, I am grateful for those who took a chance to live out passionate Christ-like hospitality. It has made a difference in those times of need.  I know it’s made a difference in your life too.

 

There are many opportunities for you to show the hospitality of Christ.  When we gather at the table our host reminds us of the communion we share with those around us…and all are welcome at the table this Sunday.

 

Liberty offers hospitality in big and small ways. I hope you have seen it and experienced it for yourself. God has that in mind for you!  God’s desire is for you to share it with others.

 

Life is Prayer,

Regina