Transforming Prayer Poetry - Week 8
Prayer is a conversation…
One of the purposes of prayer that we learnt about back in our first week of meetups was that it is an act of COMMUNICATION. Part of healthy communication in any relationship is giving space for each of you to speak while the other listens. In this week’s poem Steve Page reminds us of the importance that listening has in our relationship with God.
Remember to Listen
Have you ever had the feeling
while praying
that you've inadvertently
been talking
while God is speaking?
Don't worry -
He wrote it down for you.
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3
#RedeemerRecommends - Persisting in Prayer
As our Transforming Prayer series comes to an end, #RedeemerRecommends some books to encourage you to continue pressing into a life of powerful prayer!
Last Sunday we reached the end of our preaching series on Transforming Prayer, and this week sees us finishing our prayer journals in our meetups! Never fear! We will have 3 more weeks of meeting and praying together in groups, followed by a church wide Week of Prayer from the 7th to the 13th of April.
But after that, it is our hope that the whole of the Redeemer community doesn’t simply stop praying, but is instead inspired by this season of Transforming Prayer, and the effect it has had on our lives! So inspired in fact that we continue to pursue transformation in our own situations and the situations of those around us through the power of prayer! As Christians our desire is that our relationship with God is constantly growing closer and more intimate, and one of the best ways to ensure this is by pressing into prayer throughout our lives.
So this week’s #RedeemerRecommends is hoping to supply you with a few books which you might find helpful as you continue to develop in your prayer life and your relationship with God.
Book #1 - Too Busy Not To Pray (Bill Hybels)
This is a book which encourages individuals at any stage of their walk with God to press into prayer. Hybels sets out practical ways to ensure we slow down and prioritise times of prayer. The book helps to expand our view of just what God can do in our lives and in the lives of those around us when we do so.
Book #2 - Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer (C.S. Lewis)
This book, a collection of letters to a close friend of Lewis’ named Malcolm, speaks of many different aspects of prayer and how they affect our lives. Reading it takes us on a journey to understanding just how crucially important prayer is and how it increases the depth of our relationship with God.
Book #3 - The Power of a Praying Woman (Stormie Omartian)
Focusing on personal prayer, this is a great book for women of all ages looking to establish a discipline of prayer and hoping to see breakthrough in their own lives through persistence in prayer. Encouraging readers to ‘cover every area of life with prayer’, each chapter ends with a prayer to follow or to use as a model for your own personal prayer time.
Book #4 - God on Mute (Pete Greig)
A book specifically aimed at those who are struggling with seemingly ‘unanswered’ prayer, Pete Greig, the founder of the 24/7 global prayer movement, writes of his personal struggle. It’s an incredibly eye opening and honest account of his journey as his wife Samie fought a battle with a brain tumour. The book focuses on the questions which come up in situations when our prayers seem to be met with total silence, and aims to cultivate a sense of hope and faith in God’s love, a love which goes beyond our understanding.
Answered Prayer - Deeper Relationship
Nathanael Jegunma shares how attending his Transforming Prayer meetup has enhanced his relationship with his Heavenly Father.
In the second of our blogs focusing on Answered Prayer, Nathanael Jegunma shares with us how the community and the prayers of his Transforming Prayer meetup have led to fresh encounters and more intimate relationship with his Heavenly Father!
I am new to Redeemer and joined a small group within the first 2 weeks. God has truly revealed how powerful he is when you have faith in him and act in according to his word.
The Transforming Prayer series has reinvigorated my connection with God and I have felt my relationship and understanding of him grow. I have begun to regularly share the word of God with my colleagues at work, improved my family relationships and learned to communicate more effectively with God.
There is power in us gathering and praying together and we have seen God answer prayers in our group. I would encourage anyone who attends Redeemer to enjoy the fellowship and family that small groups provide and get involved.
— Nathanael Jegunma
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42
Transforming Prayer Poetry - Week 7
Persistent praying leads to dramatic results, be encouraged by Steve’s latest poem to press on in your prayers, and expect to be transformed!
Throughout this season of Transforming Prayer, we have been constantly growing in our ability to pray with confidence, and learning how to pray in different ways and in different situations.
Steve’s poem this week reflects a journey of learning, being transformed, and growing into great pray-ers.
Flyer
Not everyone flies.
You land hard a lot.
Then just as you think
it's time for a new direction,
just as you think
it's not worth another stumble,
a fresh fall onto your knees,
you launch and take flight.
An updraft catches your wings
and you're airborne.
And when you eventually land
you see that you've got
somewhere new,
a whole new perspective.
That's when you know you're a flyer.
Not every line flies.
You land hard a lot.
Then just as you think
it's time for a new direction,
just as you think
it's not worth another stumble,
a fresh fall,
your thoughts take flight.
An updraft catches your wings
and you're airborne.
And when you eventually land
you see that you've got
somewhere new,
a whole new perspective.
That's when you know you're a poet.
Not every prayer flies.
You land hard a lot.
Then just as you think
it's time for a new direction,
just as you think
it's not worth another stumble,
a fresh fall onto your knees,
your prayer takes flight.
Your spirit resonates with His
and you see His face.
And when you get to your 'Amen',
you see that you've got
somewhere new,
a whole new perspective.
That's when you know you're a pray-er.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Transforming Prayer Poetry - Week 6
This weeks poem talks of the process of breakthrough, a topic we’re focusing on in our meetups this week.
This week in our meetups we have been focusing on praying for a breakthrough on our lives and the lives of others around us.
Steve’s latest poem tells a story of that kind of breakthrough we are praying for, a story of bruises, scars, and healing.
Mister New
I see you there
keep looking at me
but I'm not sure
what it is you see
I'm no-one's 'boy'
I'm not 'hey you'
my name's Mister
it's 'Mister New'
I've got old scars
raw scars too
but I'm not sure
it's clear to you
wounds can only
go so deep
there's only so long
that they can bleed
you might see wounded
see black and blue
but save your pity
that's all about you
I've grow taller
through broken skin
my roots sink deeper
than you've ever been
when you're up close
you'll see it's true
my fresh healed skin's
a real break through
I've got a name
so I'd thank you
when you address me
say 'Mister New'
Answered Prayer - Close through the Changes
Our first testimony of answered prayer speaks of God’s closeness as a Father…
As part of our Transforming Prayer series we are starting a new blog focusing on answered prayer. If you’ve got a testimony of how God has answered a prayer for you recently, be it big or small, get in touch at prayer@redeemerlondon.org
The first story of answered prayer reminds us of a truth we’ve touched on in our meet-ups recently, that God is a Close Father.
Close through the Changes
I'm experiencing a lot of change after a year of challenges: a family bereavement, a house sale and a divorce.
I've asked my meetup to pray for wisdom and a peaceful resolution, I also asked for prayer around my first meeting with a bereavement counsellor last week, arranged through an Employee Assistance Programme. It's free but you get little choice as to who is allocated to you. And in an answer to that prayer, the EAP matched me with the most perfect counsellor.
Not just that but God has blessed me with more interactions with Christians at work that ever before - driving home the truth that I'm not alone and that he is standing with me.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
Transforming Prayer Poetry - Week 5
Prayer isn’t just a solo adventure….
We have passed the half way mark of our Transforming Prayer meetups, and it’s been incredible to hear stories of growing communities of passionate individuals coming together to pray!
We are called not just to pray as individuals, but to join together and pray, as a team, just as the early church did in Acts 2:42.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Steve Page’s latest poem, inspired by the recent six nations rugby tournament, paints an inspiring picture of what a praying community looks like.
A TEAM SPORT
[In the voice of your favourite over-excited rugby commentator.]
We're inside the final quarter. We've seen a bone-cruncher of a contest today and there's no sign of a let up, the prayers gather for the next engagement, positioning themselves with practiced confidence, skillfully supporting each other, ready for the push. You can see every knee and each hand bears the marks from this long muddied pray, red and brown staining every inch of their entwined limbs; - arms and hands holding fast.
Front row.
Second row.
Back row.
Digging in for the big push.
The opposition has played an intelligent game, taking advantage of any lapse in concentration, any sign of tiredness, looking for any weakness to exploit. The prayers know they can't afford any slips now, they need to keep up the pressure, maintain their advance deep in the opposition's half. Every yard of gained ground needs to be defended.
The prayers' Coach looks on - look at his smile! You can see the pride he has for his team, he's schooled them on every tactic of the opposition and now that training, that practice has paid dividends. This is a team of prayers that so clearly know each other well, supporting each other every step of the way. You can see their co-ordinated pray, their sustained effort and the sheer pleasure they feel when they are praying together.
The prayers drive on. The sound of their groans and deep breaths merge into one. There's a rhythm to it, a cadence as together they push and PUSH.
The opposition's footing is slipping, the prayers' momentum gains pace and, YES! the resistance collapses. Oh, that must have hurt!
But there's no time for complacency, the prayers re-form their line looking for the next opening, the next opportunity to push forward.
This is a joy to see. The Coach shouts his encouragement - this was never going to be an easy struggle; you can't dismiss the opposition - they are a seasoned though sometimes disorganised team and they can take you by surprise. But as we've seen here today, the Coach knows that if his team of prayers keep to the plan and pray to their strengths, the opposition are surely in for a hiding. The prayers will triumph and they will take the winners' crown.
- Back to you in the studio.
Transforming Prayer Poetry - Week 4
God’s goodness is reflected in the way he answers our prayers…
This Sunday, Pete Cornford helped us to grasp the goodness of the God that we are talking to when we pray, and in our meetups this week we have been discussing ‘The Pattern of Prayer’, learning from Jesus’ model of prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13.
Steve’s poem this week speaks again of God’s goodness, and the importance of pursing prayer as Jesus’ intended it; reminding us what we can expect to hear from God in return.
Things you won’t hear from God.
Things you won't hear from God:
I'm sorry we are experiencing a higher number of calls than usual.
You may wish to call back later.
All of our operators are dealing with other customers.
We will be with you as soon as someone becomes available.
Your call is important to us, please wait or alternatively go to our website.
Listen carefully to the flowing options.
I'm sorry, I didn't understand that. Did you say, "Help"?
Our office is now closed. Thank you for calling.
Things you will hear from God:
"Welcome. I've been expecting you. What's on your heart?"
Remembering Answered Prayer
Have you had an answer to prayer recently? Read more about how your testimony could encourage others….
This weekend marked our third Sunday morning of Transforming Prayer, and I don’t know about you, I am absolutely loving it! I’ve begun meeting on a Tuesday morning and building community with those in my meet-up, we’ve had some great times of prayer and honest conversation together, sharing our dreams with one another for what we hope God will do in and through us during this time of Transforming Prayer!
Last week we were talking about answered prayer, and how we seem to have new requests to bring to God each morning! Because there are so many new things to ask for, we can often forget that God is answering our prayers daily, often in amazing ways! Together we have made the decision to keep a record of all the ways God is answering our prayers during our time meeting together, and to regularly look back at this list to renew and stir our faith!
But why limit that list to just our own group?! Recently God has been answering prayers, big and small, all across the Redeemer family, and we think that’s something which needs to be celebrated as we continue the Transforming Prayer series! So here’s your chance, if you’ve had a prayer answered, whether it be in the last couple of weeks since we started the series, or whether you have a powerful testimony of answered prayer from earlier in your life, we want to hear from you!
The power of testimony is huge! It stirs up faith in others, and encourages them to persevere in their prayers, it focuses people’s eyes back on God rather than themselves, and it motivates people to worship the God who answers their prayers.
If you’ve got an example of answered prayer that you would love to share with us, you can let us know by sending your testimony to prayer@redeemerlondon.org. It can be a big testimony or a small testimony, no-one is discounted, all answered prayer is worth celebrating! All we would ask that you try and keep it around 350 words maximum (as a point of reference this blog is 364 words long).
We look forward to hearing your stories…
Transforming Prayer Poetry - Week 3
Praying confidently changes our posture…
This week in our Transforming Prayer meet-ups we are talking about how we pray with confidence! This comes from a greater understanding of our Father in heaven and our relationship with him. In this week’s poem, Steve Page thinks about how our posture during prayer reflects our confidence that our prayers will be heard and answered by a CARING, CONSISTENT, CLOSE, COMPETENT Father.
Strong knees and open eyes
Straight back and open ears
Strong voice and open hands
Straight through to the throne of grace
Transforming Prayer Poetry - Week 2
Steve Page’s latest poem on prayer reminds us that prayer is all about conversation and relationship…
This week is our first week of Transforming Prayer! As we look together at the purpose of prayer, Steve’s poem this week reminds us that prayer is always about relationship…
Prayer
How many times a day do you pray?
As many as needed.
Some days only once.
But it might take all day.
Better Together
Rich Smith explains how we benefit from praying together as a church community, and reminds us it’s not too late to get involved in Transforming Prayer!
London can be a lonely place at times. I’ve been on full tubes, in busy squares, in vibrant stadiums and at packed out gigs and known that feeling of not really connecting with anyone despite being around everyone.
We’ve got a saying at Redeemer that “life is a team sport - best done together” and I’ve genuinely found at church that meeting new people, making friends and sharing life Monday to Saturday has added that all-important connection and depth to London.
We call the stuff we do Monday-Saturday ‘Meetups’ at Redeemer. This term we’ve created spaces, times and options to hang out and grow together on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. They’re in evenings, early morning, in the middle of the day, over brunch and geographically spread out all over the borough, and everyone’s welcome.
Would you like to find a meetup of ten or so people for the next ten weeks? We’re aiming to grow in our prayer life in particular this Spring term, using some great resources to prioritise prayer, encourage each other in prayer, and pray for each other. Ten people could be praying for you, supporting you and making life more of a team sport for you over the next few weeks – sounds worthwhile doesn’t it?
For everyone who’s joined a meetup this term, have a superb time. One top tip - don’t hold back. We’ve found that the more real you are, the more likely it is you’ll grow yourself and bond with those there beyond just the ten weeks. Enjoy!
#RedeemerRecommends - 24/7 Prayer
This week’s #RedeemerRecommends invites us to learn more about an inspirational, global prayer organisation which started in just one room in the south of England….
As we continue to look forward to Transforming Prayer, which kicks off this Sunday, this week’s #RedeemerRecommends focuses on the blog of a prayer organisation which is seeing transformation in prayer lives and transformed communities as a result of prayer all across the world.
The 24-7 prayer movement began in 1999 with a single prayer room on the south coast of England, and their prayer room model has since expanded across the globe. 24-7 International now reaches over half the countries on earth. Their story is told in the books Red Moon Rising & Dirty Glory.
To discover more about the movement you can also visit the website by following the link below, where you will also find helpful blogs on prayer, along with inspiring testimonies of the transformational power of prayer!
Let’s be inspired by what God is doing in the global church and believe that he can do incredible things in and through US as we enter into this season of Transforming Prayer! I hope to see you on Sunday as we begin this new, exciting, life changing journey of prayer as a church. Everyone is welcome to join us!