LAMENT AND REPENT? OK - BUT WHAT …..?
We are now half way through Lent and so I thought it might be helpful to update on how the times of fasting, praying, lamenting and repenting have gone so far.
And of course, to re-issue the invitation, particularly if you haven’t been able to join us so far.
The first evening was Ash Wednesday itself which is a set liturgy focused on recognising sinfulness and need for self-reflection and repentance. The marking of ash on the forehead is a mark of repentance (“sackcloth and ashes”). It is the traditional start to the Lenten season.
The second evening was intriguing.
Needless to say, the vicar hadn’t arranged a room for the gathering and upon arrival remembered that Thursday is band practice and so the church was not an option. Seeking a room, one was empty and although a group was coming they hadn’t arrived so we encamped ready to move if anyone turned up. They did, just after the introduction to explain what we were doing there. So, we moved again to the Foyer. It felt very public and exposed.
One of the themes that came through strongly was not being ashamed of the Gospel (in fact Jesus said he would be ashamed of us before the Father if we were ashamed of him!) It really felt as if we were supposed to be exposed to others around us – bee keepers, NCT and another group of hirers. It occurred to me later that none of us spotted that there was a perfectly empty hall we could have used.
Oh, and there was no band practice that night!
So, God was directing us in how we should approach him. He was challenging us and leading us to areas in which we need to repent. For our own weaknesses and failures but also those of the wider church. A powerful sense that this is what he requires of us in this moment.
So, what was prayed?
Let’s start with the Church of England (in no particular order).
A stronghold of despair – a belief that decline is inevitable.
Abuse of power – senior people using and holding onto power rather than doing the right thing.
A general unwillingness to share the Gospel
A proliferation of untrue teaching, facilitated through some colleges – and for a need for that to stop
Past safeguarding failings and then for people to cover up what was done and even allow further abuse to take place
A failure to engage and support survivors of church based abuse
Luke warm faith that God says will lead to him “spitting you out of my mouth”
Racism in the church – that people of colour have not found their place, or been supported or have experienced active and direct racism
Judgement of anyone based on who they are including those rejected and condemned for who they are attracted to
A failure to discriminate – between good and evil, holiness and unholiness, truth and untruth, godliness and the world
Specific areas related to Christ Church included:
Support for youth and children – times when we have not done all we can for the younger generations
A spirit of criticism rather than encouragement; private agendas rather than building up others and edifying the body that is the church
Specifically our unwillingness to share the Gospel with others in our local community
“Parsimonious” – not being thankful for all we have been given, not using those gifts (burying our talents)
Judging people because of who they are – race, gender, age, background, wealth, education, sexual attraction
The most recent meeting, on Monday this week, was a little smaller than the previous two (a dozen or so rather than 20-25) but no less powerful.
Having lamented and hopefully been open and honest we found the prayers turned to praise and worship.
One person read out Psalm 136. It bears repeating here. It’s worth noting that it was read out with ever increasing glee and thankfulness!
Psalm 136
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
11 and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.
13 to him who divided the Red Sea[a] asunder
His love endures forever.
14 and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.
17 to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
18 and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
20 and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
22 an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.
23 He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
24 and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever
A little time after this we broke out in song with one chorus of the following:
Holy, holy, holy!
Lord God Almighty
Early in the morning
Our song shall rise to Thee
Holy, holy, holy!
Merciful and mighty
God in three persons
Blessed Trinity!
Coming before the Lord in honesty and lamentation, naming and crying out for things that are not right. Seeking his mercy and forgiveness. We were brought to praise and thanksgiving.
I am looking forward to what more will come. What transformation and shaking might arise. And what deeper praise we might be called into.
ALL are welcome.
Next dates – Tuesday 1st April, Tuesday 8th April both at 7.30pm and Maundy Thursday (service 8-9pm, hour of prayer 9-10pm, silent vigil “could you wait one hour?” 10pm -12am).
All glory to the Holy One.
Come Holy Spirit!
Every blessing
Doug
RESILIENCE AND BELIEF