Loving the World – Learning

Holy Spirit, my teacher, as I dive into the Bible would You awaken my heart, expand my mind and shape my identity today.

Pause and pray

Together we have explored how Jesus loved God through prayer and creativity, loved others through justice and hospitality, and loved the world through mission. Now, we will reflect on how we love the world through embracing life-long learning.

And so, as I settle into this time of prayer, I ask God to renew in me a tender and teachable heart.

Pause and pray

Jesus said...

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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 11:28-30

Pause and pray

In his book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, John Mark Comer says: ‘If you want to experience the life of Jesus, you have to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus…* He offers his apprentices a whole new way to bear the weight of our humanity: with ease. At his side. Like two oxen in a field, tied shoulder to shoulder. With Jesus doing all the heavy lifting. At his pace. Slow, unhurried, present to the moment, full of love and joy and peace. An easy life isn’t an option; an easy yoke is.’**

Jesus, I choose again, the path of an apprentice. Teach me to love You with all my mind, all my heart, all my body, and all my strength. Help me to imitate and include You as I plan my diary, write my to-do list, waste time on my phone, even as I walk through my neighbourhood. Shape my life around Your ‘unforced rhythms of grace’. (Matt. 11:29 MSG)

Pause and pray

I pray for the preaching of God’s Word around the world this week:

Father, I thank You that millions of people will learn from the Bible today. Please speak powerfully to convict, to comfort and to conform our minds to Yours.

Jesus, I pray today for all the children learning about You. Thank You that You always love to put them first. Help me to be more trusting, humble and playful like them.

Holy Spirit, revive us today. Inspire politicians and educators, artists and journalists, economists and scientists at church this week, with the kinds of ideas that can change the world for good.

Pause and pray

I take a moment now to earth these big prayers in my own local community, naming someone I know who is either a student, an educator or a parent as they disciple their own children.

Pause and pray

God, I love, because You first loved me (1 John 4:19). I sometimes feel like I am running low on compassion, exhausting my ability to care. When I feel my reserves running low, teach me to return to You, the God of love. Help me to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, loving You with all I’ve got, loving those around me as I love myself, and loving the world as I long for Your kingdom.

Amen

*John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, p82

**Ibid, p88