DISCIPLING

Image via WikipediaDISCIPLING

A chance to see what Jesus expects in his disciples, from those who were the
disciples He taught PERSONALLY; through simulated (Apostles) & (Jesus) biblical conversations.

ON THE ROAD TO GALILEE AFTER THE RESURRECTION
Eleven disciples walking
PETER (talking to his brother Andrew) Andrew, remember
when Jesus called us to be "fishers of men"? I don't know about you; but I'm
sure, I didn't fully understand what he meant at that time. That we would be
leaving our old life of fishing and go into, helping others find God. We are
going to need to practice Christ's teachings and share the gospel with others.
We will be able to draw them to Christ like we, as fishermen, pulled fish into
the boat with nets" Remember how Jesus had talked to us before he called us to
follow him? As we got to know him, our appreciation for what he was saying grew.
The more people that get to know us, the better chance we have to help someone
to get to know our Lord, Jesus. They will also appreciate what we have to offer
them, peace, love, etc. Although they may appreciate it fairly quickly, it will
probably take years for them to fully understand and experience their faith. I
guess, even now, we don't even fully understand or appreciate it, until we live
it. When we first met Jesus, did you realize at the time that He was pointing
the way to a new life? I certainly didn't. Did you notice how he asked us, "What
do you want?" He didn't just want us to follow him, because it was the thing to
do. We needed to examine our motives for following him. I guess the question was
really: "Were we seeking His glory or ours?

ANDREW Well when I came to get you,
I was sure that Jesus was the Messiah. Remember how excited I was. I just wanted
to tell everyone.

PETER You sure did. But you noticed, I hope that Jesus changed
my character by giving me a new name. But to get back to our calling; we knew
what kind of man he was, a radical, and I guess we sorta knew that he would
change our lifestyle, radically. You know, we have to remember that it took
years for us to grow to where we are now , spiritually. And even when Jesus
called us, he didn't do it at once. It took us time to resolve our questions;
and to build up our resolve. I guess the important thing was; that once we
started following Jesus, we never stopped. We must not push the people we work
with, but concentrate on making sure that any new disciples "keep on following
him." (Peter talking to the group of 11) You know, one thing that always
bothered me; was that Jesus chose US out of the hundreds that followed him over
time. He certainly didn't choose us because of our strong faith, because mine
certainly failed often. And he certainly didn't choose us because of our talent
and ability. Any of you guys, have any special abilities? I know, none of you,
have any special leadership skills. Or you would have stepped forward, and taken
over from me. I haven, done a very good job.

ANDREW (responding) You know what I
think, why we were chosen? Jesus must have knew that we would obey him. And I
guess that we were willing to follow him with a willing heart.

MATTHEW
(responding) Yes, I also noticed that we came from all walks of life. I guess
that God can use anyone, no matter how insignificant he or she appears. I guess
that Jesus prefers to start with ordinary people, and grow his own disciples.
His "experience grown disciples, seem better able to do his extraordinary work.'

JOHN (responding) "Matthew, your right. I also noticed how we underestimated
Jesus. We saw his miracles and yet we didn't recognize, how he could change us."
And you know, what I had a problem with also; was that I tended to want to feel
important, proud and possessive. He did give us prestige, and also opportunities
for receiving money and power. But I seemed to keep seeing, in Jesus' eyes a
tear, every time any of us got close to that. You know, like Judas."

PETER Yes,
I noticed that too. Like when Jesus drew us as aside on that mountain and warned
us after we started to prance around and give orders and find the best seats. I
remember: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." Or when he said:
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." If I only really
understood it then; that as Jesus' disciples we can expect mourning, hunger, and
persecution. I guess we can't expect much reward till we get to heaven. Jesus
wanted us to avoid fame and fortune, so we wouldn't promote our personal
interests, but His only. YES, and remember that day on the lake when i was
trying to show you guys up, with my faith; by walking on the water. Well I
panicked in the storm. But you guys also panicked in a storm, when Jesus was in
the boat with us. And we panicked even though we were doing something we were
experienced at and we knew Jesus could perform miracles. I guess we really
didn't believe yet that Jesus was God. Jesus' power that calmed the storm can
also help us deal with the problems we face. Jesus was willing to help if we had
only asked him. We should never discount his power again, even in terrible
trials.

ANDREW You know Peter, you were speaking of leadership skills earlier.
You should us Jesus' approach. He gave us power to do our job. He gave us
specific instructions so we knew what to do. Remember, "Take nothing for the
journey - no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house
you enter, stay there until you leave that town." Jesus told us how to deal with
tough times, "If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when
you leave their town, as a testimony against them." And he held us accountable.
You might want to try it.

PETER You are probably right. We should probably
include sending the disciples out in pairs. They could strengthen each other,
especially when they face rejection. And even though Jesus may give us power,
teamwork will also."

ANDREW Good. But lets go back a moment to what you were
saying about the storm. You were right about us not believing Jesus was really
the son of God. I think it was for multiple reasons. The first being that we saw
him as another human. And I know for me, it included; how could Jesus pick me,
just an ordinary human. I think, that I had trouble remembering that being God,
he was more interested in his glory and his will being done, then answering to
my wants. I think I had trouble connecting Jesus' power (as example feeding the
5,000 and walking on water) to my life. Even with all of that, I still couldn't
believe that he would care, and even more, act in my life. But he did. I guess,
that is what experience does for us.

JOHN Right. That boy with the fish, was a
good example. If we only have looked at; that Jesus usually preferred to work
through other people. There he took what a young child had to offer and used it
to get thee job done. We must never think age, young or old, is a barrier to
being used by Jesus. And you know, we probably had even more resources than that
boy's fish; but all we seemed to be able to concentrate on was, that we didn't
have enough, so we didn't want to use what we had. The boy gave what little he
had, and it made all the difference. If we offer nothing to God, he will have
nothing to use. But he can take what little we have and turn it into something
great.

PETER Yes. You know what would help us do that, is to keep praising God
for what we do have, from our breath to our clothes. This will help us remember
all Jesus does for us, and then it will be natural for us to expect Jesus to
help. Faith is a mind-set that EXPECTS God to act. When we do this, we can
overcome our fears. And you know; that same approach could help us respond to
others needs. I am still embarrassed by that time we wanted to get rid of that
women who had the demon. If we only remembered all the times Jesus helped
others. It is easy to become so occupied with spiritual matters that we miss
real needs right around us. Especially if they cause us inconvenience or they
are not the right people. Instead of being bothered, we should be aware of the
opportunities that surround us. We should also be open to the beauty in God's
message for ALL people, and make an effort not to shut out those who are
different from us.

ANDREW You are right, but remember that Jesus warned us, to
be careful to be sure that the people we work with fully understand who Jesus
is, their Savior AND Lord. And we can only do that if WE fully BELIEVE that
first. And that will help us, help others in dealing with suffering. Often their
most difficult temptations could come from us trying to protect them from
discomfort. You know something like, "Surely God doesn't want you to face this."
We or they do not know what God's will is or what is better for HIS glory. We
and they must just trust and believe.

This is the end of Scene 1

SCENE 2 -
SITTING TOGETHER IN A GROUP

Sitting ANDREW Let's take a break.
PETER (Sitting
down in a group) Ok, I wanted to ask the group anyway, if they were like me,
having trouble understanding Jesus' mission.

Did you guys have trouble understanding what Jesus meant when he said, "Don't
tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the
dead." I know when I joined in asking him, "Why then do the teachers of the law
say that Elijah must come first?" That I was showing that I didn't have a clue
on what he was saying.

I now realize; that he was predicting his death and resurrection. But I think
part of my confusion, was in trying to understand why Jesus wanted to go to
Jerusalem, if he thought he was going to die. But I guess we were very slow in
understanding Jesus. I mean we were there and saw the miracles and yet it took
us along time. We certainly can't expect more from our disciples.

JAMES
Responding Well I've started to realize that only through dying, Jesus could
show his power over death and his authority to be King over ALL things.

PETER
I now know you are right, but at that time I didn't believe it. That reminds me of
another time when our unbelief got us in trouble with Jesus. Remember when we
were unable to drive out the demon, and then we asked Jesus why. He sure pointed
out our lack of faith by saying, "O unbelieving and perverse generation, how
long shall I put up with you?" And then he went on to say, "Because you have so
little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard
seed, you can say to this mountain, `Move from here to there' and it will move.
Nothing will be impossible for you."

I guess we were trying to drive out the demon with our abilities instead of
having any faith in God doing it. There is great power in even a little faith
when God is who we are trusting, to produce results. ANDREW Interrupting That is
no doubt part of the reason why Jesus had to take so much time to train us,
instead of preaching to the multitudes. He knew how important it was to equip us
to carry on when he returned to heaven. Deep spiritual growth isn't instant,
regardless of the quality of experience or teaching. We have to be sure to give
our disciples that same time.

PETER I think we became to preoccupied with the
organization of Jesus' earthly kingdom; that we lost sight of the need to
concentrate on learning from Jesus. I now realize that if we had sought a place
of service, instead of positions of advantage, we would have been more willing
to learn. It sure was difficult to identify with "children" - and become weak
and dependent people with no status or influence. Responding

ANDREW Yes, we
often take all of what Jesus has taught us for granted. Because we are
privileged to know so much about Christ, we must be careful to follow him. We
need to remember; that with privilege comes responsibility.

PETER Jesus sure
warned us against hypocrisy - trying to appear good when one's heart is far from
God. Each of us must resist the temptation to settle for the appearance of
respectability when our hearts are far from God.

I think that was part of why we all got upset with James and John for trying to
grab the top positions. But Jesus taught us that the greatest person in God's
kingdom is the servant of all. Authority is given not for self importance,
ambition, or respect, but for useful service to God and his creation. Responding


JAMES Your right, but in my defense, we all had the wrong idea of Jesus'
kingdom. But Jesus' kingdom is in the hearts and lives of his followers.
Responding

JOHN Yes, we were more concerned about ourselves and how if Jesus
would die or went away; what would become of us.

PETER Yes, well we all declared
that we would die before disowning Jesus. But a few hours later, however, we all
scattered, except for John. Talk is cheap. It is easy to say we are devoted to
Christ in the good times, but our claims are meaningful only when we are tested
in the crucible of bad times.

JOHN Well we all have been guilty of denying that
Christ is Lord of vital areas of our lives or of keeping secret our identity as
believers in times of pressure.

Well I know I'm not excusing myself by pointing at others whose sins seem worse
than mine. Instead, I need to come to Jesus for forgiveness and healing.

I'm sure that Jesus did not wash our feet just to get us to be nice to each
other. His far greater goal was to help us be humble when we were serving God,
serving others, and reaching out to all people who need the message of
salvation.

PETER I'm sure that I, of all people needed to hear that. But I am
also glad that Jesus forgave us, even after we had disowned and deserted him. I
know, because of that forgiveness, I can love him even more.

SCENE 3 The eleven
disciples reached the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw
him, they worshiped him: but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said,

JESUS All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go
and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to OBEY everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. When
someone is dying or leaving us, his or her last words are very important. Jesus
left the disciples with these last words of instruction: they were under his
authority; they were to make more disciples; they were to baptize and teach
these new disciples to obey Christ; Christ would be with them always.
Jesus is Lord of the earth.

We are to go - whether it is next door or to another country - and make
disciples. It is not an option, but a command to all who call Jesus "Lord." We
are not all evangelists in the formal sense, but we have all received gifts that
we can use to help fulfil the Great Commission, As we obey, we have comfort in
the knowledge that Jesus is always with us.

The purpose of this subject

Image via WikipediaThe purpose of this subject

The purpose of this subject was to bring the disciplines of prayer, reflection, decision-making, and shared responsibility in God's Plan to bear on the stresses and strains of life as you are experiencing them at present. The exercises that we have done are illustrative of individual and shared paths of spiritual growth. May they encourage you, first of all, in your relationship with the God we know in Jesus Christ, and second, in the exercise of your gifts of living.

You may feel that the way of living we have been considering is a quantum leap from your present experience. Not only do you feel that you are in left field; you are in another state, maybe another country. That probably overstates the case, but even if it is an accurate description of your situation you need not be discouraged. You do not have to be advanced in the intricacies of sainthood to begin to move into holy obedience. You do not even need to know all of the problems or pitfalls. You need only one thing: a desire to know
God and to train with Him and His plan for you. Indeed, I would go so far as to say that the very fact that you are participating in this training program is desire enough for God to begin bringing the grace of holy obedience into your life.

You can trust God to individualize the training: some things he will no doubt urge you to ignore; certainly he will teach you many personalized steps this training program does not cover. Above all, seek to be attentive to your Top Coach, whether through this training program or beyond this program.

We are to discipline ourselves to 'seek first the Kingdom of God." This focus must take precedence over absolutely everything. We must never allow anything, whether deed or desire, to have that place of central importance.

Let go of all distractions until you are driven into the Plan. Allow God to reshuffle your priorities and eliminate unnecessary activity. Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, "Pray for me that I not loosen my grip on the hands of Jesus even under the guise of ministering to the poor." That is our first task: to grip the hands of Jesus with such tenacity that we are obliged to follow his lead, to seek first his Kingdom.

The next step is so simple I am almost embarrassed to mention it, and yet it is so important that I must. Begin now to obey him in every way you can. Start right where you are, in the midst of all the tasks that press in upon you. Do not wait for some future time when you will have more time or be more perfect in knowledge. The Roman governor Felix wanted to wait for a more 'convenient season,' but we all know that there is no more convenient season. "Today when you hear his voice do not harden your hearts," warned the author of Hebrews (Heb. 3:7-8). Right now, as you read these words, ask for an increase of the guidance of God your Father. In every task of your day seek to live in utter surrender, listening and obedient.

Some more advice in holy obedience is to get up quickly and keep going if you stumble and fall. You will fall, you know.

But when we do fail we do not need to give excessive time mourning the loss. We need to get up, and start again immediately. Nor should we linger long at the site of battles won. The issue in holy obedience is not whether we failed or succeeded yesterday or this morning, but whether we are obedient now. So Act Now, and put your training plan into Action.

We now will go into specifics of living.

What are the historical patterns of the role of spiritual trainer?

Image via WikipediaWhat are the historical patterns of the role of spiritual trainer?

•a person 'possessed by the Spirit', characterized by personal holiness of life, a closeness to God;

•a person of experience, one who has struggled with the realities of prayer and life, who has encountered his/her own passions, inner conflicts, darkness and light;

•a person of learning (though without spiritual maturity this can be dangerous), one steeped in scripture, and in the Fathers and Mothers of the church;

•a person of discernment, one of perception and insight, of vision, one who can read 'the sighs of the times, the writing on the walls of the soul'.

•a person who 'gives way to the Holy Spirit', who helps others to recognize and follow the inspirations of grace in their lives, to assist in reading ' the breathings of the Spirit'.

Tilden Edwards in his book Spiritual Friend: Reclaiming the Gift of Spiritual Direction, has a chapter on 'Seeking a spiritual friend' (pp105ff). He canvasses such issues as:

•age: it is best to choose someone 'in the second half of life: roughly thirty-five or older'.

•sex: where there is a choice between two good people of different sexes, Edwards suggests choosing a trainer of the opposite sex to yourself.

•experience: 'seek out someone who is confident in experience yet humble in it'.

•personality: look for complementary - if you are analytical, seek a more 'feeling' type of person as spiritual trainer, and so on; avoid extreme differences as rapport may be difficult.

•your present spiritual path: it is important that your friend/trainer have some experience of and sympathy for your path; a sympathetic yet critical experience of different paths is best of all.

•someone outside your immediate institutional context; a lay person should look to someone other than his or her own pastor/minister.

•ideally a trainer/guide should not be too distant, because contact needs to be fairly frequent at least in the initial stages of the relationship; if necessary, letters and audio tapes may supplement personal contact, but can rarely replace it successfully.

•exploration phase: mutual expectations and basic compatibility need to be explored without a 'permanent' relationship being implied; there needs to be a reasonable 'personality fit' and sympathy (though not necessarily identity) of outlook; if in doubt, sleep and pray on it.

•covenant phase: clarify what is really important for you in the relationship, and how you will know if it is remaining 'on the track', and fruitful in your spiritual formation. Consider practical issues like frequency and place of meeting; length of consultation sessions; the place of discussion; shared and silent prayer, 'homework' and preparation, the primary role(s) of the trainer (listener, supporter, confronter, theologiser, prayer, counselor, etc.): other mutual expectations, times for evaluation, prayer.

Related articles

• Spiritual training (georgehach.wordpress.com)
• The Walk-on-Water Syndrome (georgehach.wordpress.com)

Spiritual training

Image via WikipediaSpiritual training

Spiritual training is the application of theology to life. Since life, as progressive relationship with God through Christ and the Holy Spirit's guidance, is carried on in the world, it ultimately must control all aspects of life.

The 'cure of souls', the pastoral guidance of a person's spiritual life by counsel and prayer through the illumination, grace and power of the Holy Spirit, this defines what has traditionally been termed spiritual direction or spiritual training.

The discipline of spiritual training has had a long history and profound impact on the life of the Christian church down the centuries.

There is some resistance to the thought that any one person, clergy or not can 'train' another's spirituality. Yet in the sense of prayerful counsel in the context of theological reflection and pastoral experience, it is not so easy to draw a line between 'trainer' and 'counseling'. In the best understanding of the concept, a spiritual trainer is neither a judge nor a dictator, but 'a physician of souls', one who seeks to diagnose the condition of the soul with all its graces and ills, and to assist it into the way of growth'.

The role of 'training' might be viewed as a signboard indicating a number of alternative routes from where one is now standing - the route taken is finally the responsibility of the directee. Training or guidance must always be weighed against Scripture, conscience, church teaching, personal prayer, and the dictates of common sense. So spiritual training is really a form of pastoral care which offers to help another person relate better to God, and to live out with integrity the implications of that relationship.

The two areas most aided by the discipline of spiritual training are self understanding in the light of Christ, and growth in faith and prayer. Fairchild, in a 1982 article, has set out guidelines for spirituality and spiritual direction/training. He compares and contrasts psychotherapy, counseling and spiritual training, and suggests that the latter process begins in 'yearning for coherence and communion'. Searching for God and personal meaning. A sense of shallowness or loss of soul and disillusionment'. The goal tends to be 'continuous' conversion; letting go of resistance to discovery of deeper identity evoked by God. Ego is reduced: 'Now I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me' (Galatians 2:20). Desiring and choosing differently, for example, the Beatitudes. Again, the attitude of the guide/trainer is 'to dialogue together in the presence of mystery; willingness for God's intention to be realized through surrender of self-definition...' According to the seventeenth century Benedictine Dom Augustine Baker, 'In a word, (the trainer) is God's usher, and must lead souls in God's way, and not his own' - in other words,, lead the searcher to the true 'coach', God himself, as he teaches and directs through the inward dwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Inventory of Continuing Education Interests

Inventory of Continuing Education Interests

As a preliminary exercise in identifying where you might most fruitfully begin to pursue further knowledge and experience in Christian living, you are invited to complete the following chart. Because it is designed for use in a variety of situations, it can only have rather general parameters.

• Be as specific as you can about your own needs and interests as you fill it in. If necessary, add your own categories at the bottom of the list.
• Tick any area which applies to you, and write next to it your particular interest in continuing education for Christian living, and where you believe you might find resources to help meet that interest. You may need to distinguish between 'knowledge about', and 'skills or abilities' in some of the areas. Finally, it may be necessary to refer to your trainer for details of courses, libraries, retreat centers, coaches or counselors.

---

A. AREA OF INTEREST NATURE AND LOCATION OF RESOURCES-EDUCATION

---

1. Theology
2. Biblical studies
3. Church history
4. Ethics
5. Christianity and society
6. Religious education
7. Prayer and meditation
8. Spiritual guidance
9. Marriage and family
10. Conflict management
11. Stress/burnout management
12. Simplifying life-style
13.
14.
15.

---

* If you have filled in more than three or four of the above areas, consider which items currently have highest priority for you. Write in here your intentions about pursuing further education in these areas of living:

---

B. PRIORITY AREAS WHO TO CONTACT MY OBJECTIVES DATE TO BEGIN

---

1.
2.
3.
4.

---

Comments:

Related articles

• The Walk-on-Water Syndrome (georgehach.wordpress.com)

Individual Reflection

Image via WikipediaIndividual Reflection

Consider the applicability of the above to your situation in living. if it has some possibility of encouraging a support group or individual to contribute to the enhancement of your living, identify specific changes to its format or wording which would be needed to meet your needs. You may want to make notes beside items, or add new areas of more direct relevance to your experience and field of need.

Agenda

While a group is unlikely to find difficulty in identifying issues of mutual concern for discussion, it is important that these not degenerate into 'gripe sessions'. Instead, it is suggested that members all bring as 'homework' individual preparation. In the whole group, or in pairs or triplets, share individual conclusions and interpretations; encourage each other to recognize:

1.existing strengths; and

2.areas which apparently need further work or thought.

Close with prayer for each other; seek to affirm each other's living and concerns at this time, and pray for the continuing guidance of the Holy Spirit in specific areas of the lives of group members. While it may take some time to establish this level of sharing, trust, and openness in prayer, the benefits are considerable.

Related articles

• Prayer Before Making a Decision (georgehach.wordpress.com)

An invitation to reflect on living

Image via WikipediaAn invitation to reflect on living

Small reflection groups to be effective, requires:

•commitment to regular and punctual attendance by all group members

•confidentiality, with nothing discussed in the group to be repeated outside, except with the mutual agreement of all members

•honesty and trust between group members, or nothing worthwhile will be shared

•a willingness to hear constructive criticism and to move on from previous attitudes and priorities where this seems appropriate

•members who are not 'yes' people, but prepared, with due care and forethought, to challenge the way things are at present, and encourage a new vision of the way things could be in living.

An invitation to reflect on living

The aim of this informal group is to help you reflect on personal aspects of the direction and effectiveness of your living. The group will, provide you with constructive criticism as well as being a source of personal support and encouragement. It can help you understand better your own strengths and non-strengths in living, and so have a positive contribution to your personal development and ability to live and work with others. It can act as a sounding board for ideas or personal concerns not appropriate in the family, and it can be a source of insight and support for you, in the midst of the stresses and strains of life. It should be a crucible out of which you will be learning how to build each other up for your mutual life as parts of the body of Christ.

Some of these things happen spontaneously or accidentally from time to time; ideally this group can help them happen more intentionally and more regularly, and give you an external 'push'' to review your own journey of faith, and your own roles as spouse, parent and Christian. Trust and confidentiality, need it be stated, are pre-requisites for the life of the group, and so also are humor, celebrations and prayer!

The points listed below may give the group the excuse to open up ideas and discussion, but the list is in no order of priority and by no means exhaustive:

•perceptions of the transition into the life as a Child of God, the process of adjustment and change for you and your family

•perceptions of the community as the place of life together

•adjusting to expectations of leaders, Christians, congregations, the community, and of yourself and your family

•what do you enjoy most in life? why?

•getting helpful feedback on how you are 'coming across'; how you and the family seem to be coping

•recognizing gifts; recognizing missed opportunities for help, or for personal and family growth

•causes of personal and family frustration or stress, and ways to possibly overcome these

•what do you yearn for most in your life?

•reflection on time allocated to various tasks and responsibilities, work and family and other, 'business and pleasure'

•personally accounting for 'the faith that is in you', that give life meaning

•your continuing education, becoming more competent; mental stimulus, spiritual growth

•your physical and emotional health

•sources of satisfaction and encouragement

•working with conflict; and with apathy

•communicating with different groups

•being accountable to God

•what is not yet in your life?

•your family, ten years from now

•prayer and spiritual nourishment

•anger, guilt, powerlessness, regrets

•ministering to your family; to the sick and bereaved; to the young and the aged, etc.

•your willingness to be ministered to, to receive care yourself, to accept help

•unresolved questions of faith and belief

•ways of introducing change, encouraging involvement, motivating people, freeing up resistance

•difficult jobs, things you put off or avoid

•non-Christian interests, responsibilities, hopes

Related articles

• Understanding sources of support in living (georgehach.wordpress.com)

A. Names of specific people who support me:

A. Names of specific people who support me:

---

COMFORTER CLARIFIER CHALLENGER

---

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

---

B. Names of specific people for whom i have one or more roles:

---

COMFORTER CLARIFIER CHALLENGER

---

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

---

* Further thoughts on the implications of support in living:

Understanding sources of support in living

Image via Wikipedia

Understanding sources of support in living

Instructions: men and women in Christianity have found sources of support and encouragement form many different avenues. In the list below, circle the number opposite each item to indicate the relative level of support you currently receive from that source.

After completing all items add up the total for the numbers circled.

---

Source of Support Very Helpful No help Does not apply

---

1. Lay leaders of church 4 3 2 1 0
2. Friends within your church 4 3 2 1 0
3. Friends outside church 4 3 2 1 0
4. Your spouse/fiance(e) 4 3 2 1 0
5. Other 'helping professions (doctors) 4 3 2 1 0
6. Family members other than spouse 4 3 2 1 0
7. Small groups 4 3 2 1 0
8. Prayer group 4 3 2 1 0
9. Spiritual director/guide/counselor 4 3 2 1 0
10. Personal devotions (e.g. Bible reading) 4 3 2 1 0
11. Prayer partner 4 3 2 1 0
12. Church and its Ministers 4 3 2 1 0
13. Special Groups (Encounter/Marriage) 4 3 2 1 0
14. Retreats/Rallies/Revivals 4 3 2 1 0

---

Date: Your total score (items 1-14):

---

If another source of support is especially important for you, write in in at (15) and indicate the level of help:

15. 4 3 2 1 0

---

* Which of the above 14 or 15 sources of support is currently most important for you? #

---

Interpretation of scores:
0 - 30 Relatively low support experienced
31 - 46 Moderate level of support
47 - 66 Relatively high support experienced

---

Additional Comments:

---

Individual Reflection:

Having completed the above exercise, look back over the list, especially your top three sources of support and encouragement.

1. Give each of the top three a 'mark out of 10', according to how you would rate their effectiveness for you at present. For example, a small group may in fact be your Number One source of support, but you would rate the group as falling far short of what you need from the group as a source of support in your leadership, and personal encouragement (perhaps a 'mark' of 5 out of 10).
   a.
   b.
   c.
2. Reflect on what would have to happen for your top three sources of support to become more effective in this role they have for you.
   a.
   b.
   c.
3. Reflect on what your dependence on these major sources of support does to them; does their support of you have a significant impact on their time, their emotional energy, their availability to help others?
   
4. Do you support the people you've listed? Is it one-way or two-way?
   
5. In what ways can you grasp new opportunities to support others; in what ways do you need to improve your capacity to care for others - whether they are your 'friends and supporters' or not?
6. List some individuals whom you can commit yourself to start encouraging in some practical ways; pray for them and yourself in this coming new relationship.
7. Do you need to seek a greater range, or deeper level of support for yourself? Why? In what areas of your life do you feel this need most? How open are you, really, to receiving 'feedback' on your 'strengths' and your 'work areas'? Jot down your thoughts on these issues.
   
8. One way of discussing the type of support evaluated in the section above is to speak of the roles that other people have for us as comforter, clarifier, and confronter. Marian Coger cites these in 'Women in Parish Ministry: Stress and Support', following the work of Carol Pierce. A comforter holds us, affirms us, and lets us know that our being is loved and accepted, even if our doing is unacceptable; a clarifier puts information together, helps us sort out what is relevant and what is not, and brings new light to situations we find ourselves in - they help us sort out how we are 'coming over' and what we seem to be 'on about' in our public roles of leadership; a confronter gives us constructive criticism in a way which we are able to hear and work on. Because they care about the outcome of your life, confronters can challenge us, without forcing us to become defensive. We need all three, sometimes separately, sometimes in relation to the same complex issue in leadership. And we have the potential of fulfilling at least on of the three roles for others around us - they also need all three.

Related articles

• Prayer That Works in Small Groups (smallgroupblogger.com)

Image via WikipediaShared paths out of darkness

There are many ways in which the challenges and pressures of Christian living should be shared, and opportunities made for mutual support encouragement, reconciliation and healing in community. There is much scope for re-discovering a collegial or team approach to shared ministry within the priesthood of all believers. The healing power of community and shared living is a resource sorely needed by many in today's world, the busy or spiritually fatigued individual not least of all. Life in community, the presence of conflict and the need for peace, are, of course, the source of many of the stresses of living, but they can also be the key to their displacement and transformation. The whole body is called to be upbuilt in love (Ephesians 4:12, 16).

In what follows, you are invited first of all to review the sources and relative effectiveness of the support available to you in living. To what extent are you finding mutual support and encouragement at present? What needs to happen next to enhance your experience of support, and of the pushing back of the walls of isolation, or conversely, of inappropriate interference in your work?

Prayer for Growing

Image via WikipediaPrayer for Growing
With each new day that dawns I am growing up, O Lord. It's not too soon to start thinking of what I want to be. It's very hard, I think, to make the right decision but I pray that you will help and guide me. Show me what to do, let me share, someday, my talents where they're needed. And when you show me, give me courage to be generous enough to do what you want.

Prayer in time of Need
Heavenly Father, in my present need, help me to believe that you are aware of my anxiety and will do what is best for me. Give me the strength to trust you and put the present and future in your hands. Grant this through Christ, our Lord.

Student Prayer
O God, you have been such a loving Father. Forgive me that I have often ignored the instructions you have given me for my sake. Help me to follow your will and remain steadfast in my commitment to you. Amen.

Related articles

• Prayer Before Making a Decision (georgehach.wordpress.com)
• Prayer for the Disabled (georgehach.wordpress.com)
• Prayer for Those Who Preach and Teach (georgehach.wordpress.com)

Prayer Before Making a Decision

Image via WikipediaPrayer Before Making a Decision
Lord, I have an important decision to make. (Name it....) I seek your wisdom in making the right choice that will be for my good and that of others in both time and in eternity. You have said in your Son, Jesus Christ, "Ask and you shall receive." I ask for the grace and the wisdom to choose that which is according to your will.

Too often what seems best to man, is not best for his salvation according to the mind of God. God's ways and thoughts are so elevated above our own. If I cannot always see clearly your way, O God, or understand the wisdom of the events you permit and cause to come into my life, permit me at least to trust in you. Help me to pray as though all depended on You, dear Lord, and to work as though all depended upon myself. In this way I will use the talents you have given me and give credit to the outcome as in harmony with your divine will. Teach me always to seek your will before my own.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth.

O God, who does instruct the hearts of the faithful, by the light of the Holy Spirit, instruct me. Amen.

Prayer for the Church
Lord, we come before You with penitent hearts, pleading for Your forgiveness through Jesus Christ, Your Son. At this moment we confess those sins by which we have brought injury to Your church--by our silence when we should have spoken and by our loveless words when we should have kept silent. May we pursue peace and harmony in the church and with all people. Lead us into the paths of truth. You have entrusted to us the precious Gospel. Now empower us to share it with others that through the power of the Holy Spirit Your church may grow. We ask for Your mercy and grace for the sake of Your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the Family
Lord Jesus, we live in an anxious world. We move so fast and are torn by so many needs. Our lives are out of balance. I pray on behalf of all families--breathe into us Your breath of life, the abundant life that comes only through You. A life that is filled with joy, oneness, and hope. Let Your presence fill each heart so that the home is a grace place, where Your blood brings reconciliation. May the home be a place where the light of the Holy Spirit offers hope for those in despair. To this end, I ask that each home be a hill on which Your light can shine to the world. Amen.

For a Right Perspective in Life
We have trouble, heavenly Father, in maintaining a right understanding of life. Help us always remember that we are to love You more than anyone or anything else. Our world is an impersonal one of "Bottom Lines" and "latest models." Our lives go by, and we spend time and energy chasing that which has no lasting value. Help us, Lord, so that we do not destroy what is most important of all--our relationship with You. Enable us to bring order out of the chaos around us and to see that in You alone there is forgiveness, hope and salvation, and that next to You our loved ones are the greatest gifts You have given us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

For Caregivers
Lord, we thank You for those people who take care of others. It is not an easy job, and many people are tired at the end of the day. We ask that You be with them so they can be loving as they jtake care of those entrusted to them. Let them know that You are present when they are tired and that You will lift their spirits. Help them when they feel challenged by their charges. Give them an extra measure of Your love when they are feeling down. Help them to realize that the work they do is important to many people and that they are loved. Because You first loved us in giving Your Son to be our Savior, help us to love all humankind. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related articles

• Prayer for Those Who Preach and Teach (georgehach.wordpress.com)
• Prayer in Hardship (georgehach.wordpress.com)

Prayer for Those Who Preach and Teach

Image by hickory hardscrabble via FlickrPrayer for Those Who Preach and Teach
Father, You have always called faithful people to proclaim Christ's salvation to the world. We thank You that Your Spirit works through those who preach and teach. Open our hearts and minds so that we may hear their message with joy. Help their ministry. Strengthen them so they may always be models of the new life in Christ. Continue to call faithful Christians into the preaching and teaching ministry, so that every soul may hear the salvation which You have won for us in Your loved Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

For Spiritual Awakening in the Church
Lord Jesus Christ, You promised to send Your Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. We pray with a sense of urgency that You pour out Your Holy Spirit in rich measure upon all those in Your church. Move people everywhere who believe in Your name to respond to the power and influence of Your Spirit, remembering that we have been baptized into Christ's death and resurrection. We pray for a revival of faith and love. Give to Your people a deeper faith and a greater zeal for Your mission. Fill us with true love for Your Word and a hopeful expectation for Your return in glory. In these last days energize us as never before with Your Spirit to carry Your Gospel to everyone. Amen.

Prayer for Patience
O God, I need Your presence and Your strength each day. I sometimes find myself filled with hostility toward others. In spite of my good intentions, I am impatient both with strangers and those I love . Strengthen me to bear with others in their indecisions, callousness, and rage--the very things of which I am guilty! By the grace You have given me in my Baptism in which You nourish through Your Word and Holy Spirit you forgive my daily sin of impatience and touch me with Your Holy Spirit's power in order that even in my weakness I may glorify You and in spite of my failures You may be praised. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Prayer for Contentment
Heavenly Father, we are bombarded by advertising that encourages us to buy, buy, buy! These invitations are before us on television, radio, billboards, and in newspapers. We are tempted t o feel dissatisfied, disadvantaged, and lacking in necessary things for life. You have said, O Lord, that we should be content if we have food and clothing (1 Timothy 6:8). Help us to find this satisfaction, Lord. Teach us that true contentment is found only in You, that the blessings You give truly satisfy. Instill in us the understanding that the things of this world will pass away, but the blessings that You give in Christ will last forever. Give us strength to help others also to find this true peace in You. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Prayer for A Child's Return to Faith
Dear Lord,, you become human, suffered and died to win salvation for all. Look graciously on my child, who has drifted away from the faith--and from you as well. Grant him (her) your grace to see the error of his (her) ways and return to the fold in your care. Teach me to stay close to him (her) during this trying time, and strive to influence him (her) by action and prayers more than by words that may antagonize. Amen.

Prayer for the Sick
Our heavenly Father, look with compassion upon all who are ill. Set Your healing powers to work in them. We thank You for medical science. Bless the hands of those who minister to our loved ones who are ill.. Strengthen the hands of those who minister with tenderness and love, and guide the skillful hands of doctors and nurses. Give patience to those who carry the cross of affliction, who bear the burden of illness. Fill their hearts with the joy of forgiveness and the hope of the resurrection of the body in heaven. Assure them of Your abiding presence. We commend them to Your gracious care in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related articles

• Prayer in Hardship (georgehach.wordpress.com)
• Prayer for the Disabled (georgehach.wordpress.com)

Prayer in Hardship

Image via WikipediaPrayer in Hardship
Dear Lord, we are sorely tried in these days of want and need. We have not always loved You with all our heart nor served You. We confess that we have not always given You the offerings due You in the days when You have blessed us. Forgive us, O Lord, all our sins, our neglect, our indifference, our coldness. In Your mercy, O Lord, turn Your face again toward us. Help us, we pray, and give us today what we need to support ourselves and our dependents. Fill also our souls with peace. To You belongs the glory both now and forever, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

For Courage
Lord God, sometimes I feel so frightened by all the challenges and uncertainties of this life. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, fill me with courage to face each day in Your strength. I thank You for Your promise to love me, forgive me, walk with me, and be by ever present help in time of danger. Help me to call on Your name, pray, praise, and give You thanks. As Your Soon called on You in His hour of trial, I ask for courage to surrender all things to Your hands and gracious will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Lord, it is so easy to blend in and to be like every one else. I know I am to let my light shine, but hiding it takes less effort. Lord, help me to realize that You have not given me a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control. Help me to make the good confession as Jesus did before Pilate. Strengthen me through my Baptism and Your Holy Supper that I may speak Your Word with boldness. Help me to be watchful, to stand firm in the faith, to be courageous and strong, and to do all that I do in love, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

Prayer of the Sick
O Lord, You know that I am sick,, and You do not need for me to give You a report on my condition. Keep me from the sin of blaming You for my adversity. Give me the might of Your Holy Spirit to place myself completely into Your good and gracious care. Give me patience to accept Your will, which is always good. Never let me doubt Your love, which You have shown in Jesus and His death for me. Watch over my loved ones and help them to deal with my illness in a way that honors You. Replace fear with the confidence that You will never leave us nor forsake us; for Jesus' sake. Amen.

For Those Who Serve Their Country
Spirit of God, in the lives of Christians You bear the fruits of love, peace patience, faithfulness, and self-control. Come with Your power to those whose calling demands a special measure of these qualities. Keep love alive when fear and hate would overwhelm them. Work for peace amid the forces of war. Instill patience in the hearts of those who suffer. Keep our men and women faithful when their tasks seem futile. As tensions multiply, help them to exercise self-control, that with dignity and loyalty they may serve You and their country in their varied responsibilities. Hasten the day when they will return home safely. Amen.

Plea for Missions
Lord Jesus, You have commissioned us to bring Your saving Gospel to all nations. When our work has been only halfhearted, forgive us. Stir the hearts of Your people to a deeper concern for those still in spiritual darkness and without hope,. Let the joy of our salvation move us, as individuals and as congregations, to send and support missionaries to places far and near. Sustain and bless them and their families as they live and work to spread the Good News of Your death and resurrection, which is the only hope for sinners. Enable us to be faithful witnesses for You and so draw others to You for eternal life. Amen.

Related articles

• Prayer for the Disabled (georgehach.wordpress.com)
• For the Suffering (georgehach.wordpress.com)

Prayer for the Disabled

Image via WikipediaPrayer for the Disabled
Lord God, Your are full of grace and mercy toward Your people on earth. You always hear our prayers in Jesus' name. Thus we dare boldly to approach Your throne of grace today on behalf of all who are disabled in body or spirit. Your almighty power can heal them. O God of mercy, bless the medical procedures and guide those who apply them. Let us be helpful by assisting the handicapped in every way possible. Grant that all who are afflicted may trust in You as one who loves us, forgives our sins, and promises complete healing of body and soul in the resurrection. Hear us for Your own sake. Amen.

When Unemployed
O God, Father in heaven, You have been my help in days past. Turn not from me now as I search diligently to find honest employment. Surely you do care for me and those who depend on me. Lead and direct me as I try to find work in keeping with my ability. Forgive me all my past failings and let me find peace in You. Keep me hopeful, cheerful, courageous, patient, and confident. Teach me to face each day with hope. Let me not doubt Your promise to supply me with daily bread, as I pray in my Lord's Prayer. Hear the cry of my distressed heart and restless mind. Have mercy on me for the sake of Jesus, who gave His life for me.

Please, I beg you for the opportunity to serve you in some area of life that will assist in my support and that of others.

I do not ask for work that flatters my pride. I am willing to do your will in humble ways, if only you will hear me, O Lord. I promise to work conscientiously and share your blessings with others, if only, dear Lord, you will answer me. I place my trust in you, dear Lord. Amen.

Prayer to Do The Will of God
Almighty and eternal God, ruler of the universe, ever present around, beneath, above and within me, behold, I come to do your will, O God. I know not what to do. My mind is darkened. My will is weak. I am weary and lonely and I ask again, "Lord, what will you have me to do?"

I find the circumstances of my life hard, at times, O God. I do not understand why things happen the way they do. Then, I remember your divine Soon,, Jesus Christ, as his soul was sorrowful unto death. In the garden he sweat his precious blood in agony and found the divine will of his heavenly Father difficult. And he prayed -- Lord Jesus, you prayed! - "Not my will, but yours be done."

On the cross, O Jesus, you prayed, asking why your heavenly Father had forsaken you. You knew that he had not, but in your human nature you felt desolation. You became a man in all things but sin - and so you knew what it was to be forsaken. You prayed: "Into your hands, I commend my spirit."

Not understanding perfectly, not knowing the reasons why for many things, I come before you, almighty God, to be strengthened, to accept your will as Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, accepted the will of his heavenly Father. I am all yours, almighty God, and all that I have is yours. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. Amen.

For Help in Time of Temptation
Lord Jesus Christ, You withstood the temptations of Satan by using the Scriptures and trusting in Your heavenly Father. Temptations are present everywhere around us and from within us. We need Your help in overcoming them. Teach us to recognize temptation to evil so that we are not caught unaware. Help us then to rely completely on Your Word and promises for strength to resist. By the strength You give, grant us courage to flee temptations regardless of personal loss or persecution that may result. In joy, may we be aware of Your holy angels around us that the wicked foe may have no power over us. Amen.

Related articles

• For the Suffering (georgehach.wordpress.com)

For the Suffering

Image via WikipediaFor the Suffering
Lord Jesus Christ, during your life you were surrounded by suffering and you eliminated it whenever you could. Look down on this suffering world and alleviate its suffering. Help the sick in body, especially those terminally ill, and the sick at heart who are weary of life. Come to the aid of those victimized by war or by their uncaring neighbors. Encourage those who suffer discrimination because of race, creed or color, because of their poverty, ignorance or different lifestyle. Free those who are oppressed and feed those who are hungry. Inspire in me a firm desire to cooperate with you in this liberation of the downtrodden. Let me be open to others, to love them in you and to share with them what I am and have. Amen.
(Fr. Francis Evans, editor Prayers For All Occasions)

Lord God, who though you were rich yet for our sakes became poor and have promised in your holy Gospel that whatsoever is done to the least of your brothers and sisters you will count it as done to you, give us grace, we humbly ass you, to be ever willing and ready to minister, as you give us the power, to the needs of others, and to extend the blessings of your kingdom over all the world. Amen. (St. Augustine from The New Book of Christian Prayer)

Prayer of Gratitude
I am amazed at Your goodness, Lord. You give me so much to be thankful for even though I deserve nothing. I cannot list all the things You have done for me, so please accept my gratitude for everything-especially for Your generous and forgiving heart! Keep me grateful even when times are troubling, for I know that You are blessing me then, too. This I ask in the name of Your greatest gift to me, Jesus Christ, in whose righteousness I dare to come before You. Amen.

For Faith
Dear God, I offer this prayer to you today for the faith of the world. Through the works and actions of people just like me, may people everywhere come to have faith in you. Give Christians everywhere the ability to show their faith to the world--not by flash words and emotional pleas--but by living each day for you alone. Let others see a difference in us, a difference that announces to the world that Jesus lives in us and has changed our lives. Amen. (Steve Givens)

Lord, it has been said, "if your knees knock, kneel on them." Here I kneel, O Lord, with all my fears, misery and anxiety. Please come into my life just as you came into the disciples boat on the storm-tossed Sea of Galilee. I trust that just as your presence brought peace and calm to them, so too will the light of your peace calm by troubled soul. No matter what happens to me, I pray that you give me the faith to trust in your will as I struggle along the road of life. Amen. (Sr. Peter Dupree)

Dear God in heaven, I thank you that you have not required that we must understand Christianity; for if that were required, I would be the most miserable of all Christians. The more I seek to understand it, the more incomprehensible it seems, So I thank you that you only require faith--and I ask you to increase it in me more and more. Amen. (Soren Kierkegaard from The New Book of Christian Prayer)

Prayer for Inner Peace
Lord, You have promised us a peace that passes all understanding -- a peace the world cannot give, but one that comes only from You. It rests on the reconciling work of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. It is a peace that endures in the midst of trials and tribulations. Lord, help us to communicate this peace to others as we speak of Your love and grace. Help us to remember the promise of Your presence with us at all times. May Your peace surround us as we come and go, rest and work, and worship in church and at home. Let Christ, the Prince of Peace, dwell in our hearts richly. Amen.

Lord, I want to be quiet inside and hear your words for me, I know that your voice can give true peace to my heart. Give me the strength to quiet myself each day that your voice may truly be the guide in my life. Fill me with the courage to trust and obey the messages you give to me. Let me feel through your words your deep love for me, that I may know the real peace you have promised. Thank you, Lord, for continually speaking words of love to me, even when I block them out with my noise. Be patient with me as I slowly create quiet spaces in my life for you. You are so good to me, and I love you. Amen. (Fr. Paul A. Feider The Journey to Inner Peace)

Jesus, we live in a world that is constantly threatening our peace. We are surrounded by distractions and fears--temptations that are capable of destroying our peace. You are the only security we have in our defense, for our protection. Give us your peace. Fill us with that trust in your proven love for us, that we won't be afraid, that we can face any danger. We know that our own strength, our own confidence, is not enough. We rely only on you, and we trust completely in you, so that we always possess your peace deep in our hearts. Amen. (Fr. Killian Speckner, O.F.M., Conv. The Prayers of Farther Killian)

O God, whose grace is sufficient for our need, lift us above our doubts and anxieties into the calm of your presence so that, guarded by your peace, we may serve you fearlessly. Amen. (A Companion of Prayer for Daily Living)

Image via WikipediaPrayers

"When you pray, go to your room, close your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you" (Matthew 26:40-41).

"Come to me, all you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Prayer is the most neglected resource of Christians, and yet we so often blame our very busyness 'about the Lord's work' for not having the time to be still in his presence. We live and talk about justification by grace, and live as though we were justified by work(s). We run our lives under the supposed imperatives of the 'work ethic', and fail to realize that even moon rockets require refueling if they are to avoid burnout. We can be thankful that we are witnessing, in recent years, a recovery of Christian prayer and meditation alongside, but clearly distinguishable from,. the increased interest in Easter meditation. There are some similarities in approaches to or preparation for Christian and 'Eastern' prayer, but Christian prayer is fundamentally Christ-mediated and Trinitarian in expression, however helpful we may find preparatory physical relaxation, the quieting of our minds, the centering of our attention, and techniques for blocking out distractions from the external environment. (Christianity was, of course 'Eastern' in cultural setting, and hence in many of its religious forms and practices; and was only later 'domesticated' by 'Western' civilization.)

The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) is, of course, the model prayer for modern as well as first century Christians. But it is a prayer to be breathed slowly and reflectively, its nuances and depths meditated upon and allowed to 'simmer' at the back of the mind, rather than 'rattled off' like a formula. Especially as a mode of corporate prayer in the community of faith, we need to recapture something of its 'simple profundity' by surrounding its congregational recitation by times of silence. As a personal approach to God, it is a rich resource for meditation and contemplation, a means for praying rather than an end in itself.