John1954Officer

New Blog!

2008-08-25T11:45:00.004+01:00

Please note I'm no longer updating this blog, you can find my new blog at johnager.org and new website at johnager.co.uk - give them a look!
JVA

Crucial Connections - Sunday

2008-07-18T22:34:00.005+01:00

Final Part - The programme for Sunday morning included going to worship at a local church. We decided to stay in Sunbury Court and share the Holy Communion service from Celtic Daily Prayer. This was the first time I had used this and we both found it very helpful in the context of our course/retreat. The Bible passages and readings we chose are found on page 315 (January 20) of the 2000 edition of the book.

In one single quiet hour of prayer the soul will often make more progress than in days of company with others. It is in the desert that the eye gets the clearest, simplest view of eternal certainties: it is in His presence alone, it is then that the soul gathers in wondrous refreshment and power and energy. Horatius Bonar.

The reading goes on to say how it is then that we are truly useful to others. His love has filled us and can be poured out to others. My reflection on this is to say that a retreat is not self-indulgent, rather it is a pre-requisite for service in Christ's name. We find the sanctuary for ourselves to share it with others.

After a coffee break I read the chapter about obedience in Finding Sanctuary by Abbot Christopher Jamison. Interestingly, he shows how freedom to be oneself involves obedience and how the derivation of the word also includes the verb 'to listen'. This is something we have been seeking to do over this weekend, and have found it very helpful - possibly more so than we might have done had we been with a group of people! A positive outcome for us of the organised course/retreat being cancelled!

After lunch we had to leave and make our way home. I didn't manage to finish the book, but am currently finishing it at home.
JVA

Crucial Connections - Saturday Evening

2008-07-14T18:40:00.003+01:00

Part 6 - Saturday (14/06/08) was our 28th wedding anniversary (still crazy after all these years!), so Marta and I decided to go to an Indian restaurant in Sunbury. We enjoyed an excellent evening meal at Indian Zest. Check out the fantastic menu!
JVA

Crucial Connections - Saturday Afternoon

2008-07-13T14:19:00.007+01:00

Part 5 - For lunch we took our individual salads and found a nice spot by the river. We discussed Sunday morning. The course material suggested going to a local church - we had originally decided to do this - but in the end we settled on our own worship together, using the Holy Communion service found in Celtic Daily Prayer.

After lunch I continued to read Finding Sanctuary by Abbot Christopher Jamison.

He starts the chapter on Contemplation by saying:
I have never found praying easy, but what gets easier is accepting that fact. So I worry less about technique and more about my fundamental, heartfelt attitude to God while I am praying.

Later he says:
Meditation on a sacred text or meditation using a repeated phrase - both offer us a new context: it is the carpet that we lie upon in order to find rest for our souls wounded by this busy world.....it is not a luxury carpet, however, and it can sometimes have a rough feel to it.
This is where obedience comes in (the subject of his next chapter).

At the end of the chapter he recommends the following website: Centering Prayer. I am also reminded of works by Thomas Merton - I read Contemplative Prayer a few years ago and found it helpful.

Following a break I returned to the Lectio Divina of Jude, this time Jude 13-25. It occurred to me that verse 12 was a strange place to break the reading, as verse 13 continues the thought in verse 12. Perhaps this was done on purpose, but it seems to me that verse 13 would have been a better place to break - verses 12 and 13 go together and contain some very powerful metaphors.

The Christian in name only wallows in his/her own shame and deserves only death and darkness. The true Christian walks in the life of the Spirit illuminated by the light of Jesus Christ. The way demand obedience to remain on the path, and a desire to strengthen fellow Christians - with sensitivity, humility and mercy. The final doxology brings us full circle to verse 1, kept by Jesus Christ.

The necessary response to this passage, and my response, is to show willingness to allow the Holy Spirit into any remaining dark areas in my life in order to be presented before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy. (Jude 24-25 NIV)

Having initially wondered why this passage had been chosen, I now have to say that it was very good and useful.
JVA

Crucial Connections - Saturday Morning

2008-07-12T23:33:00.009+01:00

Part 4 - After a good night's sleep (much needed!) I woke refreshed, had a shower and enjoyed a relaxed breakfast of cereal and toast with Marta. I spent some time catching up with friends online (how difficult it is to escape from modern life with all the wonderful technology at our fingertips!) before prayer and reflection in the grounds.

I spent the first part of the morning continuing to read Finding Sanctuary by Abbot Christopher Jamison. This is a really excellent book that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone - of whatever faith or none!

After a coffee break I found a quiet location to start a personal Lectio Divina study of Jude 1-12. My initial reaction on quickly reading it was, "Why had this passage been chosen?" - not a promising start! But, on the basis that Lectio Divina is slow reading, I carried on! I was using my NIV Study Bible, and I decided not to refer to the notes as these could be a distraction.

Lectio Divina is in four stages: Reading - Reflection - Response - Rest (the alliteration helps to remember them!)

After slow and careful reflective reading these are my reflections and responses:

As a Christian I am called, loved and kept by God/Jesus.
Mercy, peace and love is mine in abundance!
The passage speaks of the inherent spiritual and practical discipline of the Christian life - a life of virtue as Abbot Christopher Jamison describes it.

The disciplined Christian, who lives a life of Christlikeness, is NOT...

A blemish in the fellowship.
A self-indulgent person.
A cloud without rain, blown by the wind of every whim, fancy and trend.
A fruitless tree.
On the contrary, the true Christian is a joy to be with and who brings blessings (clouds with rain!) to others.

My response is to continue being/seeking to be that kind of Christian.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12 NIV

Before lunch I sat and read through Marta's notes so far - and vice versa!
JVA

Crucial Connections - First Day

2008-07-11T18:33:00.005+01:00

Part 3 - Following a walk into Sunbury I went through my reading from this afternoon and picked out the following bits and pieces:

Lectio Divina is listening to the still, small voice of God. (1 Kings 19:12)
This gentile listening is an 'atunement' to the presence of God in the Scriptures.
We must learn to love silence.
If we are constantly speaking or if we are surrounded with noise, we cannot hear gentle sounds.
We ponder these things in our hearts. (Luke 2:19)
We allow God's word to become His word for us, a word that touches us and affects us at our deepest level.
We allow our real selves to be touched and changed by the word of God.
We rest in the presence of the One who has used His word as a means of inviting us to accept His transforming embrace.
The underlying rhythm.

I finished the first day (Friday) by starting to read Finding Sanctuary by Abbot Christopher Jamison, and sharing with Marta our thoughts so far.
JVA

Crucial Connections - Start

2008-07-09T23:32:00.007+01:00

Part 2 - The programme was the same for both of us, but we worked through it individually (coming together at various points) - so the following is my account of the weekend.

The sun was shining so I found myself a seat underneath a huge tree. There I spent some time in quiet prayer and reflection, using some material from Celtic Daily Prayer - a devotional and prayer book that I find particularly helpful. This proved a good starting point before moving on to considering the notes on Lectio Divina. Before long the lunch was catching up with me, as were the wonderful surroundings, as well as the fact that I'd only had three hours sleep before leaving Gainsborough! But, on the basis that many things in life can be a form of prayer, I didn't worry about it - and embraced the tiredness for half an hour!

A cup of strong coffee soon revived me! I started to write these notes, and this helped me to focus on the purpose of our retreat/course and the wonderful opportunity we had been given. We had brought a number of books with us that we thought might be useful, and I spent some time going through these.

Following our tea we discussed the various books and decided on the one that we would each focus on, we also decided that Celtic Daily Prayer and two books of prayers by David Adam were good resources for us to share - either individually or together. My book was Finding Sanctuary by Abbot Christopher Jamison. To be continued...
JVA

Crucial Connections - Arrival

2008-07-08T22:06:00.008+01:00

Part 1 - For a few months Marta and I had been booked into a course entitled Crucial Connections considering various aspects of spirituality and devotional life. Unfortunately we received an email about ten days before the course to say that it had been cancelled. Naturally we were disappointed, and so we tried to find somewhere else to go in order to work through the course material and have a personal retreat for ourselves. Unfortunately this was unsuccessful, at which point Marta had a great idea! Why not see if we could go to Sunbury Court anyway? We made the necessary telephone calls (as well as a few emails) and it was all arranged for us. We had the whole of an 18th century mansion and its beautiful grounds all to ourselves for a long weekend - from after lunch on Friday to Sunday afternoon.

On arrival we shared lunch with a group who were just finishing a course. As they all left we sat out in the grounds going through our course material. It then felt rather strange - just the two of us in Sunbury Court, famous throughout the Salvation Army world as the place where the General is elected in a High Council of Commissioners and Territorial Commanders - in the building shown below.

The place was ours, so we settled ourselves into the library - each with a desk and a computer. To be continued...
JVA

All in a Day's Work - Town Council

2008-07-01T20:58:00.010+01:00

You're probably wondering why I've put a picture of roses here? Well, I'll come to that! Earlier this evening I attended the monthly meeting of Gainsborough Town Council to lead them in prayers before they got down to the business. This is a duty that come around twice a year for me, and one which I don't take for granted.

Tonight I shared a well-known verse from Micah in the Old Testament:
The LORD God has told us what is right and what he demands: "See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God." Micah 6:8 CEV

I followed this with a short reflection (they don't want the religious bit too long!) and two equally short readings, the second of which was a prayer about walking in the light rather than in darkness.

The meeting itself was interesting, many points of order (and the like!), quite a bit about dogs, and some lively discussion. But now to the rose! The last time I was there I had to leave because there was an adenda item that was sub rosa - in other words, confidential, and so members of the public had to leave. The item they discussed was appropriately on pink paper. Please excuse the wrong coloured rose photo (although part of it's name is 'rosa', but it was easy to ask myself for permission to publish it!)

The whole idea of sub rosa goes back a long way, you can read about in in detail by clicking here! Please note the photo is clickable!
JVA

The Memory of Place

2008-05-28T08:10:00.007+01:00

During our recent visit to York we came across St. Mary's Church in Castlegate. It is one of 19 parish churches that have survived out of 40 that existed in medieval York. The church is now given over to site-specific art installations. The latest intervention is The Memory of Place by Keiko Mukaide, she was commissioned to respond creatively to the interior of this beautiful church.

Keiko has created a deeply spiritual place in which to reflect on the memory of loved ones. A pool of water fills the nave in which candles float from east to west, leading to a suspended column of glass rods suggesting a spiritual path to a higher place.

Visitors are invited to light a votive candle and float it on the pool - connecting our modern life with that of our ancestors. Like all art, one can reflect on it's meaning and draw from it for oneself - Marta and I found this helpful in considering our spiritual life and journey of faith.

More information can be found by visiting the website, and you can see more photos of our York trip here. The Memory of Place set on Flickr.
JVA

Getting rid of baggage!

2008-04-24T17:22:00.006+01:00

The guests at this year's Divisional Leaders Retreat were Commissioners Norman and Marion Howe (R). The overall theme was The God Conviction based on Romans 8:35-39.

In prayers on the final morning were were given the chance to write down things we want to put behind us, and then screw the paper up and symbolically throw them into a bin - although some were thrown from a distance and missed! Forgetting what is behind...

See also: NOOMA 007 Luggage
JVA

All in a Day's Work - I don't believe it!

2008-04-15T08:31:00.004+01:00

This was the scene which confronted me when I arrived at the Salvation Army hall this morning!
JVA

Touching from a Distance

2008-04-05T00:36:00.017+01:00

The title of this post comes originally from the song Transmission by Joy Division, lyrics by Ian Curtis. It's also the title of a book about his life by his widow Deborah Curtis. Details of the book can be found here.

Marta and I saw the film of his life in Manchester last year, and have just watched the film again on DVD. Called Control, it's a beautifully made black and white film by Anton Corbijn. It's well worth a look, although it's not easy viewing in some places, and the swearing is not for the faint-hearted!

Joy Division have been one of my favourite bands since I first heard them on the John Peel show in the late 70s. The film tells the story of the troubled life of Ian Curtis, the lead singer and lyricist, who committed suicide at the age of 23. His lyrics are 'filled with imagery of emotional isolation, death, alienation, and urban degeneration' (Wikipedia) and speak very directly to the human condition. Listen to Twenty Four Hours here.

So this is permanence - love's shattered pride
What once was innocence, turned on its side
Grey cloud hangs over me - marks every move
Deep in the memory of what once was love

Oh how I realised how I wanted time
Put into perspective - tried so hard to find
Just for one moment I thought I'd found my way
Destiny unfolded - I watched it slip away

You can find more Joy Division videos here.
JVA

All in a Day's Work - Dog in the Office

2008-04-04T13:49:00.003+01:00

Decided to walk to the office with my dog (Zoe) today. This has many benefits, I get two brisk walks, the dog gets two brisk walks, and we keep each other company - unfortunately she can't answer the phone or sort out the post for me!
JVA

All in a Day's Work - School Kitchen

2008-04-03T16:58:00.006+01:00

The Salvation Army in Gainsborough is very much involved in the life of the community, especially with local schools - many of whom help us at harvest time with food for the homeless and disadvantaged. One such school is White's Wood Lane Community Junior School, and we were invited to the opening of their new kitchen today. Marta and I enjoyed an excellent buffet after the opening - hard work, but someone has to do it!
JVA

All Sorted Out!

2008-04-02T12:55:00.003+01:00

All the glass has now been repaired - hopefully it won't get broken again! Just waiting for the bill now! The police are no nearer finding the homeless man responsible for breaking in.
JVA

Very Annoying Yet Again!

2008-03-29T08:34:00.009Z

Woken up a third time this week to be told a window had been broken at the Salvation Army hall. Our cleaner arrived just before I did and found a homeless man sleeping on table cloths. After exchanging greetings he ran out (which was when I arrived) into a nearby car park. I followed him into the car park (what a hero!) - challenged him, snatched a picture on my mobile phone, and called the police. He disappeared towards the bus station, but at least I got a ride in a police car! Nice holiday!

Perhaps if he does it again I should offer him breakfast! Matthew 25:31-46
JVA

On the Road to Emmaus

2008-03-28T21:43:00.004Z

This lovely story, found in Luke's Gospel 24:13-35, is often considered on the Sunday after Easter. There's so much in it for us to reflect and think about. Why not spend some time doing just that? Put yourself in the mind of the disciples who had hoped that he [Jesus] was the one who was going to redeem Israel, sense their disappointment, and rejoice in their recognition of the Risen Jesus.

Writing this post also gives me the opportunity to share one of my favourite paintings with you. The Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio can be found in The National Gallery in London.
JVA

Very Annoying Again!

2008-03-26T10:17:00.004Z

Please excuse another post about another break in at the Salvation Army hall, but it's cathartic for me to get it out of my system! Trying to have a peaceful holiday at home - and I was woken up again! Nothing was taken, just very annoying again! However, the positive to come out of all this is that Marta is now cooking me a full English cooked breakfast!
JVA

Very Annoying!

2008-03-24T12:26:00.003Z

I was having a nice lie-on on a Bank Holiday morning when I took a call to say the Salvation Army hall had been broken into! Nothing taken, not too much damage! Grrrrr!
JVA

Easter Sunday Snow

2008-03-23T14:43:00.006Z

This was the scene this morning out of our bedroom window! After clearing the car and sliding to the Salvation Army, we shared an Easter breakfast, a short Easter meditation, morning worship, fellowship and refreshments!

Let all creation
give thanks to the Risen Lord.
Give thanks to the Risen Lord!

Filled with His praises,
give thanks to the Risen Lord.
Give thanks to the Risen Lord!

He is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep.
give thanks to the Risen Lord.
Give thanks to the Risen Lord!

Stepping out boldly, we claim resurrection.
give thanks to the Risen Lord.
Give thanks to the Risen Lord!
(From Celtic Daily Prayer - Northumbria Community)

JVA

ISS at Doncaster Corps

2008-03-09T12:52:00.004Z

Marta and I enjoyed listening to the International Staff Songsters at Doncaster Corps last evening. It was a very well balanced programme with something for everyone, I especially enjoyed a Christmas piece entitled O Magnum Mysterium [Words: Anon; Music: Morten Lauridsen] - although I enjoyed it all, even the more 'challenging' pieces!

Lieut-Colonel Royston Bartlett spoke about the wonderful things in the world which cost us nothing, how values change in the light of eternity, and the treasure we have in Jesus. The Songsters then sang My Treasure [Words: Mrs Sage; Music: George Marshall].

We pray God's blessing on the ministry of the International Staff Songsters through music and song.
JVA

Why do I blog?

2008-03-05T11:50:00.004Z

A post on a friend's blog prompted me to articulate why I blog...

It's fun, I like writing and communicating, sharing with family and friends, meeting new friends, networking (in conjunction with Facebook), sharing interests, passions and tips, to put positive and uplifting stuff on the web, and as an extension of my Christian ministry. Oh, and I'm a geek! Ha ha!
JVA

The Christian life is not hard to live...

2008-02-26T21:58:00.005Z

The Christian life is not hard to live - it's utterly impossible to live! Only One can live it! Let Him! In you. Arthur Burt.

I came across that quote recently in my daily devotions and thought it was very powerful. We need to allow God's Holy Spirit to do his work in our lives.

In the corps during Lent we are looking at He Chose The Nails by Max Lucado. Max writes: Positional sanctification comes because of Christ's work for us. Progressive sanctification comes because of Christ's work in us. Both are gifts from God. Positional and progressive sanctification: God's work for us and God's work in us. Neglect the first and you grow lazy. Neglect the second and you grow fearful. Both are essential, and both are seen in the moistened dirt at the base of the cross of Christ.

One of the songs I chose was All I once held dear (Knowing You), this was to reinforce the theme of what Christ has done for us on the cross, and what he continues to do in us - To become like you in your death and to know the pow'r of your risen life.
JVA

Going Viral Thoughts

2008-02-13T20:46:00.027Z

This is by no means a complete reflection of what was an excellent event, but I was interested how the verb 'to break' made various appearances during the afternoon session.

One of the worship songs spoke about us being broken people with God's life inside us, the Bible reading (Acts 2:1-11) was about God breaking in and changing things, and how the Holy Spirit wants to break through into our lives. The question was asked, "Do you just see brokenness in the world, or do you see hope and opportunity?" We were all reminded that God can break into our lives and make a difference!

God has moved into the neighbourhood, and Pentecost gave the disciples a vision and a hope - of how things could be!

Just one other thing about Going Viral - I enjoyed seeing [dweeb], especially because they reminded me of a Christian version of The Hives.
JVA

Going Viral

2008-02-08T23:40:00.003Z

I'm Going Viral tomorrow! It's the theme of the ALOVE Youth Rally 2008 which I am attending with some young people from Gainsborough Corps. It's encouraging the sharing of what it means to be Salvation Army by all means available - viral, in this context, refers to blogging, social networking sites, video, podcasting, and the like (often described as viral media). It should be a great day! Click on the links to find out more!
JVA

Fresh Air

2008-02-01T20:09:00.005Z

I've just read an interesting blog by my friend (and fellow Sallyblogger) Paul Harvey, he writes: In Scotland, today is designated Breathing Space Day 2008. The organisation's website invites "everyone in Scotland to mark 1st February in their diary as a time to STOP and take some breathing space away from the stresses and strains of modern living," and you know, I reckon that's a pretty good idea myself. (I'd also like to extend the invitation to those of you not in Scotland as well...) See the full blog here!
JVA

Calling all Sallybloggers!

2008-01-23T11:46:00.005Z

Following the demise of the Sallybloggers ring, I have set up a page on my website for links to Sallyblogger sites...
John Ager's Home on the Web!
John Ager's Home on the Web! - Sallybloggers
If you would like your blog included, please leave a comment here.
JVA

Shibboleth

2008-01-04T19:06:00.006Z

Yesterday I visited Tate Modern with Marta and Sarah, it was actually a quick visit as our main reason for our trip to London was to visit the National Gallery. The reason for the quick visit to Tate Modern was to see Shibboleth by Doris Salcedo. It's a long, snaking crack that runs the length of the vast Turbine Hall. The title comes from the Bible, from the Book of Judges Chapter 12, where the word is used as a means separating people by their pronunciation. This dramatic art installation works on a number of levels, but encourages us to reflect on the nature of division between people, groups and countries, etc. See Babel (2006).
JVA

Survival of the Selfless

2007-11-24T12:30:00.003Z

Occasionally I buy the New Scientist magazine, and in a recent issue there was an article entitled Survival of the Selfless. Indeed, this was the reason I bought it!

When we think of evolutionary biology we tend to think of the 'survival of the fittest', and of nature 'red in tooth and claw'. Scientists remind us that the term 'fittest', in biological terms, can mean the cleverest, the best camouflaged, the most attractive – or even the nicest! Without going into too much detail, what is being suggested in the article is that altruistic groups have advantages over selfish ones, even if selfish individuals gain advantages within groups - so selfish people make the group they belong to less fit! The implications of this are profound in a society where individual freedom and choice seem to worshipped, where collective responsibilities within society are less popular.

I've also just started reading The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki. The article and the book both give us human examples of group strength. From our perspective we can take it a step further and perceive the need for a strong Christian fellowship. See Romans 12:3-8
JVA

Artnaos - A Personal Sanctuary

2007-11-08T23:57:00.002Z

Marta and I came across this in Lincoln in The Collection: Art and Archaeology in Lincolnshire. It is designed for any public space or workplace. It provides a contemplative, private space in a crowded, stressful environment.

It was a rather unusual experience sitting in this space, but it reminded me of how much we all need times of quiet and contemplation - opportunities for God to speak to us in a noisy world.

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a (NIV)

We also had the opportunity to visit the exhibition Waterlog within the gallery. One of the most interesting exhibits was an audio/visual presentation of slow and still nature scenes, with the accompanying music of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. It was entitled Silentium (2007) by Alexander and Susan Maris.
JVA

NOT the Bonfire for the Community 2007

2007-11-03T19:02:00.007Z

I have been reflecting on the fact that today I would have been involved in running a large-scale bonfire and fireworks event (over 3,000 people) in the community, and to raise money for charity. This would have been organised by the Rotary Club of Gainsborough, of which I am a member.

It had to be cancelled for cost, as well as increasing blame culture implications. The way things are going makes it very difficult to organise a whole range of events which would benefit the community and enhance people's lives, be it for Rotary, Salvation Army, or any other group.

What can we do about this? How can we start to reverse the trend? Do we need to put pressure on government?
JVA

Promotion to Glory of Colonel Bo Brekke

2007-09-28T16:27:00.004+01:00

We received the terrible news today that Colonel Bo Brekke, Territorial Commander of Pakistan, was shot and killed on Thursday 27 September. It was a huge shock to receive this news as Bo and Birgitte were both in our training college session, Proclaimers of Salvation 1978-1980. Our love and prayers go out to Birgitte and family at this tragic time.
JVA

Divisional Retreat 2007

2007-07-08T14:16:00.007+01:00

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of last week we were at The Hayes Conference Centre (Swanwick, Derbyshire) for our East Midlands Divisional Retreat. Majors Miriam and Vic Kennedy (Birmingham Citadel) were the special guests for the retreat, and Miriam led some very helpful Bible studies on Nehemiah.
JVA

Healing and Wholeness

2007-06-13T22:32:00.005+01:00

Back in April, Marta & I attended a Healing Ministry Course at Carlisle SA. This was led by Ian & Helen Hardcastle who work with the Bishop of Carlisle. They recommended that we attend the follow-on course led by Bishop Graham Dow himself. Our Divisional Headquarters again gave us permission, and we have just come back from the weekend course in Ulverston, Cumbria. We have found both courses very helpful, and would be pleased to hear from anyone else involved in this ministry.
JVA

The Language of God

2007-06-06T11:21:00.008+01:00

This post now appears here:
http://johnager.org/2008/10/20/the-language-of-god
JVA

Scientology in the News!

2007-05-23T22:52:00.006+01:00

Scientology has been in the news recently with a BBC Panorama programme critical of it: BBC Panorama - Investigating Scientology

Scientology has responded by sending out vast quantities of DVDs (criticising the BBC Panorama programme) to MPs, religious and business leaders etc. I received one addressed to me personally at The Salvation Army in Gainsborough. This is clearly a large operation as I know of many other officers and ministers who have received one! The DVD came from here: Freedom Magazine

On a lighter note, Marta and I watched the South Park Scientology episode yesterday. This is not a programme we would normally watch because of its content, but this episode is quite mild (in terms of its language) and very funny! You can download/watch it here: Operation Clambake
JVA

The God Delusion (Dawkins)

2007-05-23T01:14:00.010+01:00

This post now appears here:
http://johnagerblog.wordpress.com/2008/10/04/the-god-delusion
JVA

What is prayer?

2007-05-18T15:40:00.003+01:00

Marta and I have been spending time today in a personal spiritual retreat at home. This is to help us deepen our spiritual life, and reflect on our ministry as Salvation Army officers. It was difficult to find the opportunity, but we were pleased we made the effort to write it in the diary ahead of time, and God has honoured it.

We came across the following definitions of prayer (both by Fr Gilbert Shaw) which we found helpful, and so we share them here - both deserve careful thought and reflection:

The purpose of living is not to learn to make prayer, but to become prayer; to live in and for God according to the divine call, wholly surrendered to the Spirit's activity in the soul for the glory of God.

Prayer
is the turning of our whole mind,
our whole being,
towards God.

Both link with words from Isaiah 26:3 concerning peace:
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you. (NIV)
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (NLT)

Or in the words of the Chorus 142 in the SA Song Book:
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on thee.

See also a previous post - Tell us pleasant things!
JVA

Tell us pleasant things!

2007-05-12T12:50:00.001+01:00

This post now appears here:
http://johnager.org/2008/09/25/tell-us-pleasant-things
JVA