Prayer and the Leader
Recently, I've been reading The Message, a contemporary paraphrase of the Bible, for prayer and meditation. Last week, when I read the following passage, I became aware of how troubled I felt by a situation.
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
(Mt 111:28-30) Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright© by Eugene Peterson, 1993, 1994, 1995. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.As I read, I felt my whole body relax. I realized that the troublesome situation was troublesome because I was taking on the heavy weight of trying to keep it under control. Throughout that day, and since, I have been aware that, as I rest in Jesus' love, I am more receptive to the "unplanned rhythms of grace" all around me. The grace of God surprises and delights me. Best of all, the situation I was trying to control has now moved to a new depth of mutual respect and the work is full of creativity!
This issue invites you to think about your own prayer life and the role model you are as you lead others. You'll find suggestions for your praying and for your planning to lead others toward a fuller lifestyle of prayer. Guest writer is Mary Lou Redding, managing editor of The Upper Room devotional magazine and author of the prayer workshops in the center pages of each issue. Mary Lou attended FaithQuest training in November 1999 and has participated in a FaithQuest Bible study group.
Betsey Heavner (bheavner@gbod.org) is Director of FaithQuest at The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, Nashville, Tennessee.