Monday, July 13, 2009
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
US Billboards Attack Prayer: Pete Greig Responds
Published: July 7th, 2009
Prayer is pointless! At least, according to a massive billboard campaign launched on 1st July in five American States.
Hot on the heals of the recent atheist bus campaign in London, these new billboards, sponsored by the American Humanist Association, read: “WANT A BETTER WORLD? Prayer Not Required!” and they’re being erected this month in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Idaho, and Arizona (where churches prayed continually throughout last year). But before we pack up our 24-7 Prayer Rooms, shut down this site and wave goodbye to thousands of years of Judaeo-Christian conviction, let’s just think about this claim a little…
In America the vast majority of people pray – even on the West Coast where, according to Gallup, 25% of the adult population is now either atheist or agnostic. Meanwhile in supposedly secular Europe, 60% of people pray regularly and in London that figure rises to a whopping 73%. These statistics alone eloquently challenge the premise that prayer is a waste of time.
In my book God on Mute, I describe an old Russian Orthodox believer, called Anatoly Emmanuilovich, who was persecuted all his life by the Secret Police. In a letter from prison he testified that: ‘The greatest miracle of all is prayer. I have only to turn my thoughts to God and I suddenly feel a strength which bursts into my soul, into my entire being…. It is not psychotherapy, for where would I, an insignificant, tired old man, get this strength which renews and saves me? It comes from without and there is no force on earth that can even understand it.’
When I read testimonies like this one, I wonder what is achieved by attacking something as wonderful as prayer. Why would anyone spend hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to convert people to the terrible news that we are merely highly evolved animals marooned on a giant rock, spinning meaninglessly in space, doomed to a purposeless existence, without moral consequence and without recourse to any higher power, meaning or hope? Why didn’t they just throw a massive party, or buy millions of mosquito nets for Africa, or install a wall of plasma televisions at every morgue in the country?
The Russian novelist Dostoevsky argued that, ‘without God there is no morality’. Think about it! If there’s no God, there’s no such thing as the ‘better world’ to which the billboard aspires. In purely evolutionary terms, a serial killer is merely proving his supremacy over weaker individuals and asserting his right to dominate the gene pool. And even if there was meaning and morality in a godless universe, unless humanism can change hearts, restore marriages, break addictions, heal painful memories, rewire motivations, erase guilt, inspire great art, and ignite vision the way that Jesus Christ can, its utopian ambitions are naïve to put it mildly.
When it comes to social transformation, atheism’s track record isn’t good. In fact it’s downright terrible. In Cambodia, the atheist dictator Pol Pot killed more than a million of his own people in four years. In Russia, Joseph Stalin was responsible for the deaths of tens of millions – yet he failed entirely to make things better. Meanwhile, Jesus who never hurt anyone and who centered his whole life in prayer, instructing his followers to ‘always pray and not give up’ (Luke 18:1), has changed billions of lives down thousands of years… unquestionably for the better.
As we celebrate the holidays, let’s make the most of moments of leisure to enjoy God’s presence and to re-align ourselves with his plan for a better world. Whether it’s expressed in whispered words of gratitude lying on a sun lounger, or singing our hearts out in a 24-7 Prayer Room, let’s continue to pray like it all depends on God and live like it all depends on us. Why? Because YES we want a better world but NO we can’t wish it into being, and we can’t think it into being, and we can’t rebrand it into being, and we certainly can’t work it up by trying our hardest to be nicer little ‘humanisms’! The better world we long for cannot be found in the mirror. That’s why we ask Jesus Christ to displace our selfishness and sadness with his unparalleled grace and joy.
The world got a little better when the Roman Empire ended its ritual of human sacrifice, an event that can be traced back to a 24-7 Prayer Room in Jerusalem in AD33. The world got a little better with the abolition of slavery in the British Empire, an event that can be traced back to a 24-7 Prayer Room in South-East Germany in 1727. The world also got a little better with the rise of the American Civil Rights Movement, a great consensus that can be traced back to a 24-7 Prayer Room in Azusa Street, Los Angeles in 1906. Yes we want a better world, and yes, that’s why we pray!
It has been true for millennia that the laboratory for all positive social transformation and spiritual formation has always been the place of persevering prayer. One day, according to our scriptures, even members of the American Humanist Association will join us in confessing Christ, acknowledging that the hinge of history is the bended knee.
Prayer is pointless! At least, according to a massive billboard campaign launched on 1st July in five American States.
Hot on the heals of the recent atheist bus campaign in London, these new billboards, sponsored by the American Humanist Association, read: “WANT A BETTER WORLD? Prayer Not Required!” and they’re being erected this month in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Idaho, and Arizona (where churches prayed continually throughout last year). But before we pack up our 24-7 Prayer Rooms, shut down this site and wave goodbye to thousands of years of Judaeo-Christian conviction, let’s just think about this claim a little…
In America the vast majority of people pray – even on the West Coast where, according to Gallup, 25% of the adult population is now either atheist or agnostic. Meanwhile in supposedly secular Europe, 60% of people pray regularly and in London that figure rises to a whopping 73%. These statistics alone eloquently challenge the premise that prayer is a waste of time.
In my book God on Mute, I describe an old Russian Orthodox believer, called Anatoly Emmanuilovich, who was persecuted all his life by the Secret Police. In a letter from prison he testified that: ‘The greatest miracle of all is prayer. I have only to turn my thoughts to God and I suddenly feel a strength which bursts into my soul, into my entire being…. It is not psychotherapy, for where would I, an insignificant, tired old man, get this strength which renews and saves me? It comes from without and there is no force on earth that can even understand it.’
When I read testimonies like this one, I wonder what is achieved by attacking something as wonderful as prayer. Why would anyone spend hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to convert people to the terrible news that we are merely highly evolved animals marooned on a giant rock, spinning meaninglessly in space, doomed to a purposeless existence, without moral consequence and without recourse to any higher power, meaning or hope? Why didn’t they just throw a massive party, or buy millions of mosquito nets for Africa, or install a wall of plasma televisions at every morgue in the country?
The Russian novelist Dostoevsky argued that, ‘without God there is no morality’. Think about it! If there’s no God, there’s no such thing as the ‘better world’ to which the billboard aspires. In purely evolutionary terms, a serial killer is merely proving his supremacy over weaker individuals and asserting his right to dominate the gene pool. And even if there was meaning and morality in a godless universe, unless humanism can change hearts, restore marriages, break addictions, heal painful memories, rewire motivations, erase guilt, inspire great art, and ignite vision the way that Jesus Christ can, its utopian ambitions are naïve to put it mildly.
When it comes to social transformation, atheism’s track record isn’t good. In fact it’s downright terrible. In Cambodia, the atheist dictator Pol Pot killed more than a million of his own people in four years. In Russia, Joseph Stalin was responsible for the deaths of tens of millions – yet he failed entirely to make things better. Meanwhile, Jesus who never hurt anyone and who centered his whole life in prayer, instructing his followers to ‘always pray and not give up’ (Luke 18:1), has changed billions of lives down thousands of years… unquestionably for the better.
As we celebrate the holidays, let’s make the most of moments of leisure to enjoy God’s presence and to re-align ourselves with his plan for a better world. Whether it’s expressed in whispered words of gratitude lying on a sun lounger, or singing our hearts out in a 24-7 Prayer Room, let’s continue to pray like it all depends on God and live like it all depends on us. Why? Because YES we want a better world but NO we can’t wish it into being, and we can’t think it into being, and we can’t rebrand it into being, and we certainly can’t work it up by trying our hardest to be nicer little ‘humanisms’! The better world we long for cannot be found in the mirror. That’s why we ask Jesus Christ to displace our selfishness and sadness with his unparalleled grace and joy.
The world got a little better when the Roman Empire ended its ritual of human sacrifice, an event that can be traced back to a 24-7 Prayer Room in Jerusalem in AD33. The world got a little better with the abolition of slavery in the British Empire, an event that can be traced back to a 24-7 Prayer Room in South-East Germany in 1727. The world also got a little better with the rise of the American Civil Rights Movement, a great consensus that can be traced back to a 24-7 Prayer Room in Azusa Street, Los Angeles in 1906. Yes we want a better world, and yes, that’s why we pray!
It has been true for millennia that the laboratory for all positive social transformation and spiritual formation has always been the place of persevering prayer. One day, according to our scriptures, even members of the American Humanist Association will join us in confessing Christ, acknowledging that the hinge of history is the bended knee.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Many months ago, we talked about developing a regular 'rhythm of prayer'...
+ a daily rhythm, praying the Lord's Prayer wherever, and with whoever, at 12 midday every day,
+ a weekly rhythm, every Tuesday evening for an hour or more... mostly at Rosi and Jon's house
+ and a monthly rhythm, praying 24 hours (24-7 style) over one weekend every month.
Not to replace our own personal prayer lives, of course. And not to replace the time we pray with partners, families, friends. The opposite in fact... praying regularly to help us learn how to pray... and how to live out Paul's challenge, to "pray continually". I heard someone this weekend end say; "Prayer have legs. 9 time out of 10 they're your own."
Jesus disciples would have prayed probably every day of their lives, and yet they saw something in the way he prayed, in the way he addressed and knew 'Abba' that made them realise how shallow and lifeless and powerless their own prayers were. And so they asked him, "teach us how to pray?"
John Wesley said that we learn to pray by praying. We have often said that we want our lives to be marked, stained, woven-through, fragrant with prayer. If you're like me, you'll be aware of just how shallow, lifeless and powerless your own prayers are. So let's learn how to pray by praying.
Let's set our watches/phones for 12midday... (I've ended up praying the Lord's Prayer with some surprised people!)
Let's set aside Tuesday evenings for prayer at Rosi and Jon's. No agenda, just prayer...
And let's bring it all together every month by 'praying continually'. Rosi and Jon and us at 40 Kingston are happy to host these 24-hour sessions - we've booked in the first weekend of every month for the foreseeable future, so from 12midday on Saturday 4th until 12midday on Sunday 5th July, the prayer room at 40 Kingston Road will be open.
I'll send a rota later this week - please have a think about when, and with who you'd like to book some hour-slots (I think we're going to have to jump to 24-2s pretty soon). And just so you know, some other believers, friends from other churches have been asking, and some would like to come join with us too... let's welcome them warmly and pray together. :o)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
COMMUNITY MEAL... at 40 K
What a beautiful day! The sun shone.
The children played... playmobil, couronne and Skalextric inside... badminton outside. The adults played too... and then we ate Emma's amazing food, and talked and prayed together. Beautiful.
Gathered around the table, it was good to share little bits of our lives... Jon's front-room mini-gig went really well last night... Drew has been having great conversations with his students at school... Jo is feeling the pressure of end-of-term busyness... Sue is hoping to get a part in The Tempest in York... Dewi has got work-exams this week... Rosi is still seeking the right role at Comic Relief... Richard mentioned friends in China who need our prayers... I asked everyone to keep praying for Poppy...
And then, as we broke bread and drank wine together, I read this from today's Celtic Daily Prayer book entry;
"I read a story about a boy who lost a dog in New York City. As he walked up and down the streets, systematically and slowly, a friend complained that he wasn't even looking for the dog. He answered, 'I'm not looking for him. I'm letting him find me. Sooner or later, he will discover the trail I am putting down and follow until he comes to me.'"
The writer goes on to say that Jesus is not looking for "converts". Jesus simply lays down a trail that people find, at different points in their lives, and follow until they find him. And he does this through us.
As we prayed for one another, for our own needs and struggles, we also asked Holy Spirit to help us lay down trails in our conversations with neighbours and friends, in our shopping and working and walking-around lives... trails that carry Jesus scent somehow, trails that others can follow and find him.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday, May 04, 2009
Four Park's in one Day
Me and Ros discovered today that you can pretty much walk in a straight line from Lodge Farm Park to Rapheal's Park, to Rise Park all the way to Bedford's Park!
...All my life living in Romford and I never knew this!
Thanks to my Mum and Dad for pointing this out the other day.
Happy summer walking guys!
J0N
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Human Trafficking
A handful of 24-7-ers gathered in our basement prayer room in the City of London this afternoon to talk and pray with Peter Stanley about human trafficking... and to explore ways that 24-7's global community could bring it's gift and vision to join with others who are working for a change in this modern slavery. Especially in the UK.
Click Here to read more...
Click Here to read more...
Thursday, April 23, 2009
WEEK OF PRAYER (cont...)
Night 3: Ros and I prayed together. Although it was just us, we were grateful for the time to really give to God our worries and prayers on our hearts.
Night 4: We met in the 'upper room' of Anna & Tim's house. Candles were lit, music played and on a table in the centre of the room was a bowl of salt water, a plate of bitter herbs and beside that a bowl of honey and bread. We dipped the bitter herbs into the salt water and meditated on times of bitterness. Then we took the bread, dipping it in the honey, celebrating or praying for the good, joyful times.
Night 5: Thinking about Jesus death, and that time of darkness...questioning...we turned off all electricity in the flat and prayed in the silence and candle light with Jo, Tim, Anna and Claire. We spent a long time just sitting in silence...it was so quiet all I could hear were my ears ringing, God's peace was with us, teaching us to be still and sit with Him.
Night 6: Anna came to join Ros and I for our final night before our Easter Feast the next day. We prayed about the day. Having prayed every night over the week I found my prayers were moving more from sharing my hopes and fears with God, to pure worship, declaring His goodness and thinking upon our saviour, King Jesus!
Night 4: We met in the 'upper room' of Anna & Tim's house. Candles were lit, music played and on a table in the centre of the room was a bowl of salt water, a plate of bitter herbs and beside that a bowl of honey and bread. We dipped the bitter herbs into the salt water and meditated on times of bitterness. Then we took the bread, dipping it in the honey, celebrating or praying for the good, joyful times.
Night 5: Thinking about Jesus death, and that time of darkness...questioning...we turned off all electricity in the flat and prayed in the silence and candle light with Jo, Tim, Anna and Claire. We spent a long time just sitting in silence...it was so quiet all I could hear were my ears ringing, God's peace was with us, teaching us to be still and sit with Him.
Night 6: Anna came to join Ros and I for our final night before our Easter Feast the next day. We prayed about the day. Having prayed every night over the week I found my prayers were moving more from sharing my hopes and fears with God, to pure worship, declaring His goodness and thinking upon our saviour, King Jesus!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
A Letter From Andy Freeman
Dear Romford friends,
I wanted to write to say how enjoyable it was to be with you as a community, a few weeks ago. Lucie and I really enjoyed our time and left inspired and encouraged. You are an incredible group of people, and God is doing something quite profound amongst you all.
I left focusing on our discussion of why it was that God has called you together? What is it that God is calling you to be in Romford, and what will you bring to the jigsaw of what He is doing in your neighbourhood?
I wanted to send you a little gift from 24-7 and so enclose 5 copies of 'Punk Monk'*. It's a bit weird to be giving a gift, which is your own book, so forgive me, but I thought it might be a useful resource and would certainly help you in your questions about 24-7prayer. Hope you enjoy them.
I know many of you have questions and so do feel free to email me (anytime) to ask whatever you'd like. My email is andy.freeman@24-7prayer.com
Take care of yourselves.
Yours,
Andy
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as we see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25
Keep going Romford. Thanks for who you are and what you do.
*Note from Phil: I have the copies of 'Punk Monk' if anyone wants to take one... read it and pass it around.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Week of Prayer (Night 2)
Tonight, Rich, myself, Ros, Phil, Emma, David and Andy gathered slowly into the front room and spent our second night in prayer, reflecting on the amazing things God has been doing and praying for the coming of His Kingdom! David prayed that we would not just 'be' and live out God's Kingdom through our lives, but we would recognise it as more than our lives, that we would become fully emersed in the Kingdom of God! Phil shared an amazing description of what faith means... moving not just from belief in God, but realising that God cares for us! We prayed again for Richard's dream of moving house, and Phil had the image of doors unlocking one by one for Rich as he moved through that first door. After praying away the bed bugs, I absent mindedly went on to pray that Richard would 'rest-in-peace' :) to much laughter (I meant a good night sleep Rich!).
It was amazing when David prayed for Ros' job situation...remembering being prayed for by Ros earlier last year for the very same reasons, and having seen those prayers answered, David was able to pray the same prayers over Ros!
We thankyou Father, for our church community. That we can gather together before you and ask for your blessing on one another and the people on our hearts.
We look to your return Jesus! The return of The King!!
J0N
It was amazing when David prayed for Ros' job situation...remembering being prayed for by Ros earlier last year for the very same reasons, and having seen those prayers answered, David was able to pray the same prayers over Ros!
We thankyou Father, for our church community. That we can gather together before you and ask for your blessing on one another and the people on our hearts.
We look to your return Jesus! The return of The King!!
J0N
Monday, April 06, 2009
Week of Prayer (1st night!)
NO BOUNDARIES!
...My love for you knows no boundaries
...There are no boundaries too great for God...no limitations!
These were the words I felt God say to us while we were praying. They seemed to strike a chord with all of us, particularly Ian and Helen, as they look toward the amazing new life that will be joining their family soon :) and what this means for they're dreams for Spain and what God is saying to them.
There was a great sense of God's Spirit among us as we gave the first night (of the week) of prayer to him. We prayed for Sue and Drew who were out in Romford handing out Easter eggs and talking to people about Jesus. There was a feeling that we were joining with the entire body of Christ at this time. A hightened awakening to Jesus as we think upon the amazing power of his death and resurrection! (Christ at the Centre!)
Thankyou for this wonderful time with you Jesus, and what it means to me. I pray as the week continues yu will reveal more and more of your limitless, boundless love and awaken and inspire us!
J0N
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