An Approach to a Season of Interim

An extra season has been plucked down in the calendar of my local church:  Interim Interval.  After the minister’s resignation, we wait for a new preacher.  Yet this season should be analogous to the liturgical season of Advent.  For some Interim involves mournfulness over a sense of loss attached to people.  Yet Advent prompts Christians to get in touch with our need for a Savior.  Interim may include fatigue over the uncertainty of the future.  Advent is a season of preparation for the future by contemplating the longing of the Jews for a Messiah.  Interim can surface expressions that things aren’t the way they used to be.  Advent prompts focus on the hope of Christ’s coming.  Interim may realize noticeable empty seats on Sunday morning and fewer parishioners available for outreach.  Advent motivates believers to reach out to share life and hope with people in need.

My goal is to consider this present Interim as an extra Advent.  Sure, my approach is serious, yet I am seeking joy as I get ready for a transforming celebration, not of the birth, but the life of Jesus.   As I prepare and wait for the coming of new leadership, this is a prime time to focus on the attributes of God and in my relationship to Him.  I yearn to enter into a long expectation for what God is going to do.  I am waiting for newness and freshness, even though I am a ‘senior.’  For a practical application, I may include an invitation to someone to attend a fellowship group, or offer a spontaneous offer to share Sunday lunch.

An Advent attitude is a different perspective.  Yet, consider that for many Africans, a December Advent does not come at the beginning of winter, but at the onset of their rainy season - quite different than the one I am familiar with.  May showers of blessings fall on my Advent attitude.

Finally, I’ll be singing my favorite Advent hymn in the shower.

"Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending," by Charles Wesley

Prayers Inspired by 1st John

Heavenly Father, who is from the beginning and gives eternal life, help us to continue to find You, to discover truth in Your word and to engage in profound fellowship with You and Your people.  Continue to send us very clear messages which aid us in walking in the light, so that our joy may be made complete.  We ask in the name of Jesus, who purifies us from all sin.  Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, our righteous advocate, may we know You dearly and abide in You closely to have hearts that effectively and practically love our brothers and sisters.  May darkness pass away from our lives for Your true light is already shining.  Help us to grow in obedience and walk, without stumbling, in the same ways in which You walked, so that the love of God is perfected where we live, move and have our being.We pray in your holy name.                                                                                   Amen

Gracious God, who sent your only Son into the world that we might live through Jesus, dwell in me and allow me to clearly hear your voice.  I confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.  Therefore, perfect your love in me.  Remove fear from my emotions, for perfect love drives out all fear.  Guide my belief into the realness of your truth and love, so that I may overcome the world and love others.  I ask in the name of the Savior of the world, Jesus.                                                                                  Amen

Lord Jesus, prophet, priest, and king, be our guide as we enter our new study of Acts and into a new year. May we grow into being more like the Apostles who after experiencing the power of the Ascension took what Christ was and did before them to become more joyous followers. Help us to have this illuminated vision that you are enthroned at the right hand of the Father. During this new year give us joy, peace, patience, humility, authority, inner tranquility, and above all the power of the Holy Spirit so that we will be Your witnesses in Florida, Rocky Mount, and to the ends of the earth. In the name of Jesus.                                                                                                       Amen                                                                                                                                      

Dear Lord, whose rules are true and righteous altogether, impress upon our hearts the severe consequences of wickedness that Judas experienced. Guide our schedules and priorities so that we may join together to be constantly in prayer with believers. May the fruit of our adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication aid in our understanding of the power of your resurrection. Lead us to have the purity of Matthias so that we may be effective leaders. Raise up people like Matthias to serve in our local government, so that all citizens may prosper. We ask in the name of Jesus who said, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”                                       Amen.

 

Father God, who gave Jesus the power to create miracles, wonders, and signs, pour out your Spirit on us so that we may more deeply hear Scriptural truth in words that we clearly understand. May our tongues rejoice and be used by the Spirit as we declare Your wonders with words of hope that are deeply understood by members of a corrupt generation. May Your words, not ours, lead to repentance. In the name of Jesus, both our Lord and Messiah.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Amen.

Lord Jesus, the Holy and Righteous One who is the source of life, bring healing into our lives in areas where we are afflicted with illness or weakness. May our bodies become strong. As we walk as healed individuals, give us appropriate words and actions of praise. Create awe and astonishment in our families, church, and city after people observe what has happened to us. Use us to be contemporary Peters and Johns by making us agents of physical and emotional healing to those who are hurt in our spheres of influence so that seasons of refreshment may come from the presence of the Lord. We ask this in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.                                                                                                Amen.

 

Lord Jesus, the Holy and Righteous One, deliver us from acting in ignorance in the manner that Israelites who witnessed a miracle did. Strengthen us for denying You is a serious offense. Accept our repentance as we turn back. Increase our faith in your name. Open our ears as we listen to everything You tell us through Scripture so that seasons of refreshing may come from Your presence in our lives, church, and this class. We make these petitions in your name for you are the source of life.                                                                                                                                                     Amen.

 

 

 

A Gift of Rest

After a week of late afternoon thundershowers resulting in travel over puddled roads, a sunny Sunday seemed like the time for a needed car wash.  As I pulled inside, two texts beeped on my phone.  This was perfect timing in the busy-ness of life as I had an extra quiet moment to read, reflect and to care. Suddenly open to the concerns of a friend, I promised to hold the situation up in prayer at church.  There, I became mindful of God’s gift to us during the Gospel reading.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  (Matthew 11)

Handel included this in his oratorio “Messiah” to keep listeners mindful that those who trust in Jesus Christ find peace and rest. A familiar verse, in a new crisis, made me mindful in further understanding the generous, vast love of Christ for us; we were made for infinite bliss and companionship with God.  Desiring that a friend experience those benefits, I wrote:  “Some of my most weary days, during which I carried heavy burdens, have been while caregiving in a hospital.  Although your text is full of a positive spirit and hope, undoubtedly you are experiencing a plethora of emotions and thoughts.  May the gentleness of Christ give you rest today.  I have just felt His gentleness in the sequence of your message and the reading of these ancient, powerful words.  For me, they are as needed, cleansing and refreshing as the car wash.  May they richly bless you and your husband.”