[A note to my readers. During this time of “shelter-in-place” I thought I would write a series of devotionals aimed for those in vocational ministry. I recently re-read Eugene Peterson’s book “Working the Angles” and thought that this would be a great time to refocus on my ministry priorities. There is some good stuff in there for those who are not in vocational ministry, but it is geared particularly to those who are. –jd–]
- Read
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
- Meditate
Eugene Peterson writes that prayer is the central act for maintaining the essential shape of ministry. The importance of prayer for those of us in ministry cannot be overstated.
It is unfortunate that prayer has become what I do, I.e. I tell God all of the things I am facing, all of the needs I have, and how I want him to act in response to my requests. We treat prayer as if it is the initiator of something, and God’s response is the answering word. In reality, when we pray we are the answering speech to God’s first word. God has initiated the desire to come to him. All we are doing is bringing ourselves to his attention through our prayers.
So what is the purpose of prayer? The ultimate purpose of prayer is to be a part of what is going on with God. In prayer we ask, “What are you doing God in my life, in my situation, in the lives and situations of those I know and love, and how do I partner with you?”
This is a dynamic shift in thought. No longer are we asking God to be involved in what we think is our work. We are asking to be involved in what is truly his work.
And that partnership makes all the difference.
- Pray
What are you doing, Father? Show me how you are working in my life. Show me how you are working in the lives of those I will see today. I desire to partner with you in what you are doing. Let me lay aside my plans so I can partner with you this day. Amen.
- Contemplate
1. As you go through your day, ask, “What are you doing right now, God, and how do I partner with you.” Start with your calendar for the day and listen to how God would structure your day.
2. Are you facing a situation you have been asking God to fix? Instead, pray today that God would show you how he is working in that situation and how you can partner with what he is doing. See your trials and tribulations as a chance to partner with God and his plan for you.
(This devotional series is based on my notes from “Working the Angles” by Eugene Peterson)
