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23 April 2008
Word on the Web
Meditations for Life's Journey - Relationships
From the Wise Traveller Series
Today's Word on the Web follows a different format to our normal pattern and uses material from the "Wise Traveller" series of meditations for life's journey on relationships. The material is copyright Scripture Union and used by permission.
Wise Traveller
Speaker / Listener
Hi dad, are you happy? I just thought I'd start with that as you always ask me the same question! As you know, my ritual is to roll my eyes and mumble an offhand remark.
Anticipating your question...I'm fine, too! Thanks, in no small part to you. You've always sought to ensure my well-being, offering practical and emotional help, and I hardly ever express my appreciation. Only because it doesn't seem the done thing to be overly demonstrative! For this, I apologise and merely say (for the record): 'Thanks, Dad - you're the best!' Thanks for honestly expressing all your hopes for me and backing that up with heartfelt encouragement. You challenged me to dare to become the person I was created to be.
Thank you that my memories of home and family and growing up are full of laughter and happiness. There have been arguments and reprimands, of course, but those were always fair and momentary. Above all else, there has been your love and concern for me, most recently expressed in your question: 'Are you happy?' Well, Dad, I am. Thank you.
Emma Sargeant
And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people are making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
'Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are,
Set the world right;
Do what's best - as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes'
In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.
When you practice some appetite - denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normally outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well.
Matthew 6:5 - 18 (The Bible, The Message version)
For more information on Wise Traveller see Wise Traveller - Meditations for Life's Journey
This material is copyright Sripture Union 2007
