Create in me a clean heart, O God

Sisters and Brothers,

We have entered, once more, the penitential season of Lent, time for a more deliberate focus on our spiritual health as we embrace, hopefully more deliberately, our call to walk the way of the Cross. The benefits of our efforts to pursue a deeper walk with the Lord consistently deliver benefits that both fit us better for Christian service and help those whom we seek to influence to deeper faith.

This time last year, we concentrated on the District Call Refuelling the Revival: Rekindling the Faith. Our midweek lent and Holy week services were guided in this direction- Rekindling Faith.

This year, we emphasise Refuelling the Revival: Reigniting Passion. Our meditations will all centre on this- Create in me a clean heart, O God. We will follow on from Ash Wednesday’s meditation on Psalm 51:1-3 and continue with this psalm until Holy week when the first three services will be:

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Give me a sensitivity to sin.
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Give me a passion for souls.
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Give me a deep desire to be filled with your Holy Spirit.

Why call for such an individual personal (me) focus? Because Sisters and Brothers, passion will only be renewed among us as a church when we, personally (I mean individually personally) come clean before God. This Lent, I invite us to take our individual spirituality as seriously as if it’s the last chance we have to do so. Then we shall humbly and confidently storm the gates of heaven with fervent prayer. As we do, the Lord will work not only in us, but also through us, towards the extension of God’s kingdom.

One effect may well be that we re-launch Operation Andrew with greater confidence that the Lord will work through those whom we befriend, pray for, serve and witness to in the ways that God’s Spirit will lead us to. It may well be that when we get to Aldersgate celebrations, we may be ready for the Harvest of Souls that God is calling us to be partners in. Let us then, not hold back. Let us be prepared to follow up on Ash Wednesday reflections, give up all our idols and live as if God alone is enough. Then we shall see what the Lord will do.

Every blessing.
Yours in God’s service
Joan Delsol Meade, Pastor