Last night at Presbytery there was a discussion about how we as a presbytery should be wresting with the challenges that are facing us nationally and locally, including the value of sharing of best practice, the importance of speaking to people about Jesus, the need to think at a congregational level and the necessity of allowing time for the work that is being undertaken within different groups to be completed. We talked about sharing concerns when it comes to declining membership and misinformation about the reality of our situation.
But in the midst of the debate we were also reminded that the church belongs to Jesus Christ and not to us. And one of the ways in which we can live out that truth, is to engage in prayer together - for our local congregations, for our presbytery, for our denomination and for our brothers and sisters in Christ across Scotland.
I was delighted to meet with the prayer group from Cults Church recently and to witness their faithfulness in prayer. And I know that there are many similar groups across the Presbytery. Often they are small in number but big in heart. And they are regularly carrying the needs of a congregation and a community to God in prayer. Trusting in His goodness and faithfulness and bearing witness to the ways in which prayer is answered. They also wrestle with those times when it seems that God is absent and prayer feels futile.
A regular heartbeat of scripture is the call to prayer. From the prayers of the temple, to the brutal honesty of the psalms, to the teaching of Jesus, to the letters of Paul. The message is consistent - cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you.
And yet, so often we don't. We choose to wring our hands instead. And carry the weight of our cares as though it was all down to us.
On Saturday 29th November we have an opportunity to do something together. To come before God and seek His help, His wisdom, His guidance, His correction and His comfort.
Think about how you - as a member of Presbytery, as a member of congregation, as a follower of Jesus, could participate in this time of prayer - on your own or as part of a group. And please do get in touch.
Rev Stella
https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/prayers/national-day-of-prayer