Wednesday September 20, 2023

Today is Wednesday, September 20 and we are exploring what the Bible says about being part of a church community.

As I enter this time of prayer, I pause and become still. I breathe deeply and slowly and focus myself entirely upon God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord God, thank you for loving me. I am grateful you are always there to communicate with me throughout my day. Help me to slow down and seek your voice in my life. Teach me to listen with the ears of my heart and discern the particular message you have for me. Amen.

I praise the name of the Lord and rejoice in his favor with the ancient words of Psalm 30.

Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:4-5

Pause and Pray

One of the best visions we get of the early church is in the book of Acts. Two thousand years ago, a new, young community formed called The Way. It is a fellowship of believers in Jesus Christ and they came together to worship God, share fellowship with one another and grow in faith. Their early gatherings are recorded in the book of Acts. A crowd of three thousand people heard Peter preach, they repented of their sins and were baptized. The early believers welcomed them into the fledgling church and they shared life together. Following is an account of what it was like. I imagine joining them and participating in this early Christian community.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

As I read this passage, I consider how today’s churches are similar to the gathering of new Christians and how today’s churches are different. For over two thousand years of Christianity, the church has maintained some basic elements of early Christian practice, yet unfortunately much has also been lost. The early Christians were hungry to grow deeper in their discipleship. They devoted themselves to the teaching of their leaders, shared in Holy Communion with one another and spent time in prayer. They shared possessions in common and cared for each other in every way possible. As John Wesley, the eighteenth century founder of Methodism said, they “watched over one another in love.” God wants me to grow deeper in my discipleship and mature in faith in a community of believers – my church.

Ask: How might God use the basics of Christian practice described in Acts 2 to help me grow in discipleship? How am I devoted to learning, fellowship, Holy Communion, prayer and service with my church family?

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, thank you for giving me a fellowship of believers to share my life of faith. Give me a vision of how you want me to go deeper with my community. Show me where I have fallen short and failed to engage with my church family. Encourage me to make changes that will reconnect me, strengthen relationships and enable me to grow. I read the passage from Acts again slowly, paying attention to what you are saying to me today.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Where do I find myself in today’s scripture? I imagine myself a member of the early Christian community learning directly from the Apostles and enjoying fellowship with other believers who exhibit a vibrant faith. We meet together in the courtyards of the Temple and worship God, but we also welcome one another into our homes to share meals and conversation. If one of us has a need, the rest of the group are eager to help. God wants to speak to me about my church and my role in it. Maybe God wants me to realize what I am missing. Perhaps God is revealing something I need to devote myself to or something I need to share with other believers. Maybe God wants to guide me into a deeper relationship with fellow Christians or assume my role in the fellowship of faith. Perhaps God wants to supply me with whatever I lack most through a stronger connection with my faith home.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, I long for a Christian community like that displayed in today’s Scripture. I want to devote myself to learn from faith-filled leaders, to fellowship with other Christians, to break bread and share the cup of Holy Communion, to worship and pray with strong believers. Give me a heart that expands in devotion to you and my church. Give me your vision of a healthy congregation and reveal my role in it. Amen.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I devote myself to practices of faith that will help me grow spiritually stronger. I go to engage with others and build up the church in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen