Here is my Schuylkill-News column (Notes from the Footpath) for Easter and Spring.
The whole copy is available free at various places in Berks and Schuylkill counties, in PA, or on Facebook.
Resurrection, Easter, Rebirth, Forgiveness
Tag: redemption
Prayer-The Hope of Kingdom Come
A most calming, most hopeful way to see prayer in the light of Stanley Grenz describes it in his book, Prayer: The Cry for the Kingdom. (Eerdmans, 1998) He says that every prayer is eschatological (related to end times). By this he means that prayer is the cry, the longing, and the hope of God’s will coming in the culmination of all things. That time when God wipes our tears, rights all wrongs, and the fullness of time and creation enters into the Consummation of the Story of God-theologically speaking. It is a response and movement toward God and faith, and his plan of redemption in the ultimate sense.
Just the same, Jesus prayed for what else? “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” God’s kingdom, spiritual is here now, thanks to our Messiah Kin. Redemption has been won. Yet, as we all know the earth groans to be restored, tragedies happen, evil is committed, and not all is well with people and the world. This is the cry of prayer, in every nation and tongue.
Have you ever seen prayer this way?
Peace with God (A Prayer)
Peace with God
(Prayer)
(Written for individuals, or use in hospice, end of life, or redemptive ministry.)
God,
I know you are my Creator, and I am not simply material that will return to the earth.
I desire peace with you, and to lay my burdens down.
(Here one may add specific concerns, guilt, offenses, or things that have made one’s heart heavy.)
I know you offer me relief, forgiveness, grace, and acceptance, freely–as a gift. I gratefully receive this from you.
You are the Highest, a Three-in-One God, who made me. Out of pure love, you redeemed me before time began, and during human history through the life, death, and resurrection of your Incarnation, The Christ, and you will comfort me with your Presence now. As I leave this world, receive me into your most loving Presence.
I am your child, coming to you.
Amen.
(Download your own copy for use, or distribution click here)