Tag: Online worship

Holding In The Light

Verse: ‘I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people’, (1 Timothy 2:1).

Before I came to the Community of Christ, I had spent several years with the Religious Society of Friends – commonly known as the Quakers – in a variety of geographical locations across England. There are many beautiful theological and practical methods that one can learn from this rich spiritual tradition which itself bases much of its identity on inclusivity and peace, so I was incredibly excited to see on the Community of Christ’s webpage an article on the Quaker practice of Holding in the Light which I will attach for anyone who is interested (https://cofchrist.org/holding-in-the-light/). The Community of Christ contributes its own take on this practice but for all intents and purposes the method, as well as theological and pastoral uses, are the same as those practiced within Meeting Houses all over the world.

The Quaker.org Glossary informs readers that “‘Holding another in the Light” is a way of expressing concern for God’s guidance and care for a person.’ It is used commonly in Quaker Meetings and the names of ill or suffering members are read out for the whole Meeting to Hold in the Light. As the CofC webpage states, the main aim of this type of communal prayer is to visualise those being prayed for held in the light or presence of God. This form of prayer is usually silent, with members of the congregation focussing on this visualisation of God’s light being directed on those being prayed for. It is usual for this form of intercessory prayer to last around ten or fifteen minutes, but can last longer if the congregation wishes. It is best to keep the time shorter if the congregation are new to this form of mental prayer.

For my own practice I find it beneficial to Hold in the Light those belonging to, and in, the country the Daily Prayer for Peace focusses on. This is a good way of holding true to the biblical command to pray for all people (1 Timothy 2:1). It is also a nice way of combining something important from my own faith tradition history with something that I feel is important in my current faith tradition. The Daily Prayer for Peace is in itself a witness to not only the Community of Christ’s commitment to peace, but of all those who pray with them. The Daily Prayer for Peace itself has a ritual to go alongside it each day, and the CofC routinely Tweets and uploads the customised prayer for each country. This means it is incredibly easy to know who we should be Holding in the Light. It is a joyous way to stop thinking in local and nationalistic ways but to think of and care about people all over the globe. It is a prayerful way of connecting us to each other and to those who may be in need.

Rejoice Always, Pray Continually

Verse: ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus’, (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

We are commanded by Jesus to pray unceasingly. Many Christian traditions have puzzled over this biblical instruction for centuries, most famously perhaps those within the Orthodox faith. Their explorations have created many well-known works such as The Way of the Pilgrim, and their monks and nuns have been led to live and practice the way of the Hesychast which has seen a revival in monastic traditions in the last century or so. This instruction isn’t just for the hermit or monastic who can devote hours of each day solely to prayer and meditation. This commandment is for all who are followers of Jesus, all who follow in His footsteps and live His truth, all who call themselves Christians. So, the question remains, how can we as followers of Christ ‘be constant in prayer’ (Romans 12:12)?

It is known from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament that it was common for people to keep a prayer rule. Daniel prayed three times a day following the traditions of the Israelites (Daniel 6:10), as did King David (Psalm 55:16-17). In the Book of Mormon Amulek instructs his brethren to pray three times a day at morning, midday, and evening (Alma 34:21). Now that the times and frequency of established prayer are laid out the question is how, or what, should prayer be. The Lord’s Prayer can be found in both the New Testament and the Book of Mormon (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4, 3 Nephi 13:9-13).

The Lord’s Prayer and its use in daily established prayer can interestingly also be found in a manuscript called the Didache. The Didache is a first century Christian treatise which contains significant similarities to the Gospel of Matthew. As well as containing another copy of the Lord’s Prayer (Didache 8:2) the manuscript instructs the early Christian community to pray it three times a day (Didache 8:3). This would be a good start for those who are looking to establish their own prayer rule, following the prayer Jesus Himself taught us and the examples of the early Christian community. Praying in the morning, noon, and evening also helps us break up our day and clear our minds to think about and remember God. Throughout the day we can also pray to God about our troubles or concerns, looking to Him for guidance (1 Peter 5:7).

For some they may also wish to add additional prayers into their rule depending on their own spiritual preferences, perhaps devotions such as Spiritual Communion, Daily Examen, Lectio Divina, the Jesus Prayer, etcetera. Creating a prayer rule is something incredibly personal and it is important to remember there are no wrong ways to pray. In everything we do we should be thankful and remember God (Colossians 4:2). In this manner, alongside our prayer rule, we can learn to pray without ceasing throughout our day and become constantly aware of God’s presence at all times.

Interfaith Dialogue And Unity Today

Verse: ‘Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good’, (Romans 12:17-21).

To conclude this series of posts around the topic of unity and inclusivity I thought it fitting to acknowledge the good work that is being done by countless organisations, church denominations, religious/non-religious organisations, and individuals alike. Interfaith dialogue has seen a significant increase and many organisations have been formed to improve the capacity for good together. Some of these are the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), The Inter Faith Network (IFN), and the United Religions Initiative (URI). There are many more organisations and charities that are seeking to form friendships, union, and understandings with one another in slightly different ways, one example would be the Anglican and Eastern Churches Association (AECA).

Within the Bible there is a clear instruction for living in harmony, peace, and for helping everyone. The full bible verse of the one paraphrased at the start of this post is as follows:

‘Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay”, says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good’ (Romans 12:17-21).

The reference to burning coals may at first appear problematic to notions of peace and goodwill, but a common interpretation for this is that they symbolise remorse and embarrassment. Through acts of peace, inclusivity, and unity will Zion be created. Not with violence, aggressive treatises and letters, religious gatekeeping, or any other mode or cause of division within society in the name of a religion or faith tradition.

As mentioned, in today’s society there are increased levels of interfaith dialogue occurring at local and international levels, and this is amazing. Many universities, prisons, and hospitals in the United Kingdom now have a chaplaincy team that consists of representatives of many different worldviews. Each of these chaplains work together in unity to help those in their care. Within the military there has been change to become more inclusive, although looking at chaplain job roles via the recruitment websites for all three services (RN, Army, RAF) there is still a need for a potential chaplain to be a member of a ‘Sending Church’. Other Chaplains do exist such as Imams but they are referred to as advisors within articles on the topic. Clearly the religious and spiritual support available in the military in the United Kingdom has significant room for improvement.

We, as Christians, as followers of Christ, should follow this example of unity. For too long theological or historical differences of opinion have segregated followers. When too much time is spent fortifying metaphorical walls and towers with essays of apologetics and letters of defence, we lose sight of God. Now is the time to unify under the collective mission of Christ on Earth; to help, to aid, and to support those less fortunate than ourselves. To establish Zion on Earth.

Part 3/3

All Are Welcome At Christ’s Table

Verse: ‘…he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile’, (2 Nephi 26:33).

Welcome to the second part of the blog posts focussing on inclusivity and unity within the Church. Often churches of various denominations will focus on the fact that everyone is a child of God and therefore is called to God, often followed by a call to conversion into that particular strand of Christianity. In fact, for a sizeable number of denominations, certain sacraments are closed off unless one should convert. For example, Communion. If all are welcome to come to God, and share and partake in Christ and His message, why do we as humans see fit to restrict this gift?

There is a focus on inclusivity and openness within the Community of Christ. Set in the Enduring Principles are examples of this. With Grace and Generosity we are expected to share our sacraments according to our true capacity. All Are Called to follow Jesus Christ and become His disciples. The Worth of All Persons calls us to God as equals, for all people have inestimable and equal worth. If all people are of equal worth, then how is it possible for some to be allowed at His table and others not? How can some be welcomed into a church community and others ostracised based on opinions of worldview, culture, sexuality, gender identity, etc? Instead, all are welcome to come to Christ, and experience Communion should they wish.

Within the Community of Christ the invitation to Communion begins with this premise. That all are welcome and all are equal:

‘All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ’, Invitation to Communion, Community of Christ.

For many the Lord’s Supper is the most important moment within a church service, whether one prescribes to notions of transubstantiation or views it simply as symbolic, many will testify of its importance. It can often be hurtful and discouraging to attend collective worship only to be turned away at this pivotal moment. One of the most inclusive aspects of the Community of Christ for myself is the openness and welcoming nature of their Communion Service. As we can see in the invitation above, all are welcome to participate whether baptised or not, members or not. To be able to participate wholly in a group setting such as that is an incredible blessing and a true depiction of Christ’s love for all.

Part 2/3

Importance Of Unity

Verse: ‘I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought’, (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Identity is very important, in religion as in any organisation, but it can also lead to problematic situations further down the road. As followers of Jesus Christ it is important, and often forgotten, to reinforce the concept that we are Christians first and foremost. By Christian I mean simply those who follow the teachings and example of the biblical figure that is Jesus Christ. As believers we have been called to, and initiated into, a fellowship with one another through Christ. We are part of a large collective who are unified in their devotion to the path and teachings of Jesus and His disciples.

If we examine the concept that each of us are in Christ, by that I mean each and every believer and each and every Church, then it is logical to presume that we are the ones who create the differences that separate us. It is not God who draws theological lines or philosophical treatises on which denomination or which abstract and obscure teaching is incorrect. In this bible verse Paul is reinforcing this point. He does not say that we all have to think alike, for what family is built of people with identical thoughts and ideas? Instead, he is insisting that disagreements do not have to mean divided families, divided churches.

Today, we see religion constantly featured in the news and on social media. Often with slogans campaigning for some sort of cause, or against a cause. At the time of writing abortion rights and freedom of choice are being widely publicised due to the situation in the United States. Lines are being drawn in the sand and people everywhere are finding themselves forced to choose a side. At the most basic level of debate, it may appear to not be about which denomination you belong to, but which ethical argument you find the most reasonable in your own heart and soul. For many though, this ethical dilemma is also complicated with church loyalty and religious membership.

When Christianity is studied, at the most basic level, three prominent branches are typically discussed. Protestantism, Catholicism, and Orthodoxy. Granted the theological doctrines of each of these traditions are important and form strong foundations upon which each is built. In doing so they also create walls – and reinforced ones at that. For example, with certain historical and theological exceptions, Roman Catholic’s may partake in Orthodox and Roman Catholic communion but Orthodox Christians may only receive communion from within their own theological tradition. Protestants are not accepted at Jesus’ banquet in either of those traditions. We do not see the Jesus of the New Testament refusing Himself to those who ask, nor do we see Him turning people away.

Part 1/3

Struggling With Faith

Verse: ‘We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain’, (Hebrews 6:19).

Having faith is hard. By faith I mean believing assuredly in a religious tradition’s theology. It’s basic tenants. Perhaps even as simple as the notion of a deity like God. Very rarely is it something that is found in infinite and bountiful reserves. We are all called to be saints; what a challenging rally that is. Faith is a creature that must be nurtured and slowly grows in strength and size. It is important to accept that being a disciple of Jesus is not a race, nor is it something which should be taken in a competitive nature. Each person will have their own relationship with God and each relationship is equally loved and cherished by Him.

For those who are unsure or unsteady in their faith it can be of immense help to realise that as Christians the path is not one that has to be walked alone. Indeed, for many fortunate ones there is a community of brothers and sisters, of fellow travellers, within easy reach – primarily found in physical or online formats – and if these are not options then it is important to remember the most crucial point of walking this path. For Christians the constant and eternal companion beside us is Jesus Himself.

In Hebrews 6:19 the scriptures remind us that Jesus has parted the veil and has allowed us to follow Him into the temple. This beautiful description of His role as High Priest can help us to have faith that our prayers will be heard and our worries assuaged. The imagery of such a position can give comfort and confidence to those who need it most. Jesus did not come to Earth and leave us after His Ascension, but is still here and present with us now, walking alongside us in our path as a constant companion by our side. If we remember this in our faith then we can never be truly alone, and if we must look to someone to bolster our spiritual hearts, then let us look to Him.

This can be a difficult concept for those who are still on their journey of faith. It can be hard to believe that we are never truly alone and we can often feel foolish looking for Jesus to bolster our spiritual hearts. I think it is important to never feel inadequate or foolish when we are trying to turn to God or to Jesus. I know I did at first. If we feel our faith faltering and are in need of hope, then let us turn and remember the passage where we are reminded of He who allowed us into the temple, who sheltered us, and who died for the sins of the world, and be courageous in our journey walking alongside Him.

Finding New Peace

This spring my life changed.

I didn’t know it would change the day a garden crew came in and dug up my eyesore of a front yard. The yard is enclosed and yet, for over a decade, it had not been a place of pride or peace.

That changed early in April as I stood at my kitchen window and looked at what seemed to be a bomb blast in my front yard. Over the next few days, the excitement built, and by that Friday I could exit the yard safely and go out to lunch.

The plants went in the following week, and with the plants came the realization that this black-thumbed woman would need to become a steward of life and not kill the things. Following the guidance of my gardener, I’ve watered weekly. I’ve also hoped for rainfall. I’m in The Netherlands, and here, rain happens. As I write this, the few drops that fall today have me begging for more of the wet stuff. We’ll see.

The yard has been enjoyed, and the plants are showing both growth and bloom. The yard is blooming, and something is happening within my heart: could it be bloom?

The desire to live outside for part of the day is new to me. I find myself seeking the sun, warmth, and peace of a place that eleven years ago did not welcome me. Have I become a garden lover?

My yard has rekindled my morning spiritual time. It has energized my soul and my body. This space is nurturing something I didn’t know I had! While I’m not digging in the soil, the soil of my mind is realizing that something deep within has been stirred spiritually.

I don’t know how to define it. Call it finding God in nature, finding myself in nature, worshipping the holy in my front yard, or simply holy gazing. Whatever it is, it is cultivating a love for my tiny little world in new ways. This new stewardship for the living is altering my desire to care for my little corner of the world. I feel like I’m contributing to the beauty of the world.

Within Community of Christ, we seek to follow Jesus, the Peaceful One. Since becoming a member of C of C, my understanding of world peace and peace in general has changed. As I sit in my garden, surrounded by its beauty, I’m discovering that I’m sitting in a welcoming and peaceful place. It calls out to me, softens my heart, and speaks a new language of peace to my soul. I want to sit in this place and welcome others to it.

Harlene Wood penned these words, and they ring true in so many ways for me right now: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me…”

Let’s bring peace to our hearts, homes, gardens, and other spaces we inhabit.