My mornings are best when they begin with Jesus, prayer, and coffee. (Ok, a hot shower helps a lot too). I have been drawn to the topic of prayer since I was in high school. The mystery of the Creator of the Universe being interested in talking to me is mind-boggling.

An Audience With The King

That I can have an audience with my King, Jesus, is too much to comprehend.

Prayer is an invitation to sit at the feet of Jesus as Mary of Bethany did and to stay connected with him in constant conversation as we move through our day.

I have recently been reading a book by Pete Greig entitled “Dirty Glory”. It is a phenomenal book that calls us to earnest prayer. It was about 15 years ago that I was introduced to Pete Greig’s writing when I read his book “The Vision and The Vow”.  As his present book impacts me, I am reminded of the profound impact his book had on me back then.

The Powerful Simplicity of Focus

It is easy for us to forget the simplicity and power of who we are and where our focus is to be. In their book, Jesus Manifesto, Len Sweet and Frank Viola differentiate between serving Jesus and serving our own traditions and agendas.

We so easily get wrapped up in our traditions and agendas that we forget that it is not about us; it is about Jesus and him alone.

Being concerned about the church is quite egocentric.  The church is us.  We are to concern ourselves with Jesus.  He is our only concern—nothing else—not even the church.  When we concern ourselves with Jesus, and him alone, he will care for us…his people, the church!

He Brings In New People

He Brings the Growth

We on our own, can change nothing.

As the old hymn says:

So, what is the vision?  It is of Jesus and him alone.  He is our Creator, Sustainer, Savior, Lord, and friend.  He is our all in all.  May we turn back to our first love that he might care for us—his church.