2/13/08:

Opening Reflection - Judy Brown '08

Before we begin this morning, I would like to thank and acknowledge the other folks who are helping to lead us in prayer this morning.  Katie Thiel, Kristen Susienka, Linda Gruber and Ryan Rasmussen will be the spoken voices of our prayer this morning while Dan Robinson and all those in the choir will provide our music throughout the service.  It is an honor and a blessing to have the opportunity to work with these folks as we lead you in prayer this morning.  It is also an honor and a blessing to have all of you here with us this morning to share in this time of prayer and reflection.

The words of Jesus have often challenged us to step outside of our comfort zone.  Sometimes this step outside takes us to an unknown realm of wonder and revelation ~ a new insight, a new understanding, a new meaning to life.  Our goal this morning is to give you the opportunity to set aside the busyness of life and open yourself to wonder and revelation.  Jesus challenged us to “feed the hunger, clothe the naked, visit the sick….”  On the surface it appears we are being challenged to help others with their physical needs.  While this is certainly true, we would like to propose that the needs of others go deeper than just physical need but dips into the realm of spiritual and emotional need as well. 

We ask you this morning to take some time to reflect on the needs of others as well as your own.  Try to set aside the distractions of life for the next 20 minutes and open yourself to the unfailing love of God and the working of the Holy Spirit.  As we lead you through this time of reflection, respond as you feel so moved.  Close your eyes if you’d like, sing with the choir if you are moved to do so, remain seated in a chair or find a place on the floor to sit or lie down.  Be comfortable, feel the warmth of heaven descend on this place at this moment with the knowledge that there is plenty of warmth to go around.  Feel the soothing energy of the Spirit and open yourself to it.  Take a few deep, cleansing breaths then settle into your own rhythm.  Open yourself to the challenge that Jesus leads us to as we reflect on Matthew 25:40.