“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because of the many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their numbers those who were being saved.” - Acts 2:42-47
Over the last several weeks I have found myself really drawn to this text about the early church. What a completely different lifestyle they had; worshipping daily at the temple, sharing so that no one had need, and sharing common meals together. It seems pretty farfetched for us these days. Yet, I remember Ju Young (our former music director from Seoul, Korea) telling me about the Korean church. It seems in Seoul, the Methodist church has a prayer service Monday – Friday from 6 am – 7 am and then everyone eats breakfast together and goes to work for the day. I must confess that when I heard about this, I was glad to be in St. Louis. The idea of having my family ready so that I could lead worship every morning at 6 am seemed daunting. Yet, I keep hearing about how the church is growing in Korea and sometimes I wonder what would happen if we were to do at least a weekly early Morning Prayer meeting. Could we experience the awe and wonder that the early church experienced?
I have really struggled with this text and wonder what it might be calling us to do in the frantic paced world we live in. Just think how our productivity might improve if we were to take time each morning to center ourselves with God and seek God’s leadership, direction, and blessing upon our day, our life, our church, and our community. So (watch out, here it comes) I have an experiment for us to try.
- Think of something you do regularly each day. Maybe it is brushing your teeth, or putting on your seatbelt, or combing your hair. Use that activity to be a prayer prompter.
- Say this simple prayer. “Lord, make us one in ministry to the world.” This is part of a prayer that we pray consecrating ourselves as a living sacrifice when we share communion together.
- Watch and see how God will use you to build Lafayette Park and transform the world around you.
I know it isn’t like getting up and worshipping with each other at 6 am, however, maybe if we each individually start asking God to make us one we might experience God’s Spirit knitting us together in ministry. I do believe that we will see with awe the wonders that God will do in our lives.
Please Lord. Make us one in ministry to the world. Glory be to God.
Pastor Kathleen
