Day 40 - 40 Days of Prayer - Betty Meadows

Prayer and the Mysterious Movement of the Spirit 
 
Like the denomination and many presbyteries, the Presbytery of Mid-Kentucky continues to lose members while at the same time our budget shrinks.  And yet, something mysterious is happening.
 
The energy and creativity for new ministries is simply breaking out all over.  The Presbytery organized a new Taiwanese Church last October and a new young adult church on Pentecost.  Since January 2010, two, TWO, new church developments have begun.   These two NCDs began in new ways, both birthed by creative tent makers.   One is located in a fast growing community south of Louisville and one meets in a sushi bar where 30 young adults from 18 to 25 have already established a Christian community.
 
This energy is not just breaking out in new church starts but in existing congregations.   For instance, eight have new Hispanic ministries.  One has opened its doors to any and all but especially those who live on the streets and have many challenges.  Another had a session retreat at a Christian street mission so the elders could learn from those putting their lives back together.  The faith of the residents brought tears to the eyes of many.
 
Creativity, energy, risk taking, new birthings, new life…….
 
For several years, the Presbytery has spent more time in prayer.  A prayer group meets monthly to pray for the Presbytery, its members, and its congregations.  Last year, the Council encouraged /invited every church to a Year of Prayer.   At the last five Presbytery meetings, prayer covenants have been made between commissioners.  The Council encouraged each commissioner to take the idea of prayer covenants back to their sessions and congregations.  This idea has caught on and many congregations are involved in such covenants and in learning how to pray.
 
One commissioner asked if the Presbytery would hold a prayer retreat in order to learn how to pray and to practice.  The Council has planned this Day of Prayer for this coming winter.
 
In the General Assembly that begins tomorrow, prayer will have a larger role than ever before.  There will be times of stress, but prayer will have a larger role.  There will be times of disagreement, but prayer will have a larger role.  There will be times of celebration and joy and great thanksgiving…..and prayer will have a larger role.  At this Assembly maybe more than others, we just may be learning how to “do” and “be” church together.
 
Let us come expectant and ready to be surprised.
 
Praise be to you, O God, indeed..... 
 
Betty Meadows
General Presbyter
Mid-Kentucky Presbytery