Putting on our armor

Last fall, when we prayed for each other in small groups at the  ChristLife retreat, it was the first time many of us had tried this type of prayer. It was a big step out of our comfort zone, but a powerful practice which positively impacted the participants. Like many challenges, a new form of prayer takes practice. At last week’s retreat, after we had prayed again in small groups, one person observed that we were improving our spontaneous prayer skills. What a great feeling! As one participant at the retreat suggested, this is the place where we arm and support each other before facing the world.

We truly are in a spiritual battle – in our workplaces, at school, in secular relationships, and even in our homes. We require support from our Christian community and need to consider reaching out to each other, perhaps more than we have before. After the latest session on the topic of the devil, what surprised some of us was the multitude of doorways through which he tries to enter. It is clear that we need to stand our ground and use our physical and spiritual energy wisely – in ways which lead us toward, rather than away from God. 

- Written by: Susan Eick

Spirit-Empowered Life

How can all of the strange little events that happen to us simply be coincidences?

I was in a crowded grocery store after work recently, going from aisle to aisle at my usual fast pace, trying to get the shopping over with as quickly as possible. I was checking items off my mental list when I realized there was a disabled man in a wheelchair whom I had seen before. Suddenly a tidal wave of guilt consumed me and nothing seemed terribly important. How odd. Where did this feeling come from? I stood there, fixated on the thought that this man needed someone to help him complete basic tasks like pulling grocery items off the shelf.

How many times had I complained recently about my inability to obtain the things I want? I already have so much for which to be thankful. The cloud of frustration that had been hovering over me for the past few weeks seemed to disperse. How selfish I had been. I was able to practically run down the aisle and get through the checkout line while this man was still struggling to get a few items (granted, he had someone shopping with him). I went home and unpacked my groceries, still obsessed with the guilt I had felt in the store. It was a nagging feeling, like someone was tapping me on the shoulder.

I believe these kinds of experiences are the Holy Spirit breaking through to us. The timing of this event was a little strange, considering two days later the week’s topic was the Spirit-empowered life. We talked about prophecy – hearing the Lord speak to you for the sake of others.

There is a real and ever-present challenge for some of us – perhaps all of us - to step outside of our self-absorption and help others solely for their sake. Maybe I should slow down, pay more attention, even volunteer more. Maybe I should thank that man the next time I see him.  

- Written by: Susan Eick