Praying for NEXUS Scotland
4. The Exhibitors
4.1 Resourcing the Work of the Church
God looked over everything he had made;
it was so good, so very good!
(Genesis 1:31)
In the many colours of laughter,
in the rich textures of faith,
in the many levelled faith we live,
in the daring to find new friendships,
in the wonder of listening to story,
in the faith of many voices,
in the living on the edge,
in the dancing with adventure,
in the moving with the spirit,
in the solid core of traditions,
in the fragility (delicacy/gossamer) of new belief,
in the leaving of footprints at dawn,
in the strength to exclaim “alleluia”,
in the giving of already stretched time,
in the bigness of making music,
in the silence of reflection and devotion,
in the business (busyness?) of doing the gospel,
in the creativity of all your poets,
in the steady thinking of the organised,
in the voicing of our many songs,
in the daily prayer of your people,
in the noise of those with ideas,
in the mess with those who finger-paint,
in the giggle of children and adults,
in the strengthening of those in community,
in the trust of those who follow,
in the vision of those who believe,
in the love of those who know you,
may we resource,
open up,
renew,
and give life to,
this neighbourhood of heaven,
on earth.
Amen.
4.2 Equipping Ourselves Through Prayer
When you come before God,
don't turn that into a theatrical production.
(Matthew 6: 5)
In the variety of exhibitions and exhibitor,
may we meet your gospel,
face to face working for your realm,
but may we arrive there,
through prayer.
In the business of discovery and community,
may we meet your gospel,
day by day building your realm,
but may we arrive there,
through prayer.
In the celebration of ideas and enthusiasm,
may we meet your gospel,
step by step in the work of your people,
but may we arrive there,
through prayer.
May this be the first place,
the first step,
the first breath,
the first act,
the first meeting,
with you.
In the building of your church,
may we meet your gospel,
story by story in the voice of your people,
but may we arrive there,
through prayer.
Amen.
4.3 Working Out for God's Realm
Blessed are…
(Matthew 5: 3)
There are a million ways to walk the walk,
and talk the talk.
May we find our own footstep ,
and our own word,
to add to the adventure,
and the chorus,
called the church.
And may we proclaim the gospel
in a myriad of ways,
as many as there are ears to hear,
finding the ear that will listen,
to the word,
we have been given to hold and make known.
And may we grow the gospel
in every journey we take,
as many as there are paths to travel,
finding the companion on our path,
ready to travel with us.
May we walk the walk,
talk the talk,
pray the prayer,
sing the song,
live the faith,
and love the love,
that makes your realm,
real.
Amen.
4.4 Large & Small
"How can we picture God's kingdom?”
Jesus asked.
“What kind of story can we use?”
(Mark 4: 30)
As big as mountains and as small as mustard seeds,
love’s realm can be found in all things;
in the smallest word and the greatest voice,
your intent can be proclaimed by all;
in the subtlest hint to the biggest signage,
your way can be recognised by all people.
So bless the great bigness of what we do,
but also the smallest fraction.
May we recognise that together ,
we create a vastness
called love;
a depth
called community;
a breadth
called grace’
a height
called heaven,
and a saviour
who spoke to crowds and individuals,
who faced kings and children,
who talked of feasts and broke bread,
called Jesus Christ,
the one we live for,
in small ways and larger ones,
in whispered voices and with shouts of proclamation,
in crumbs of bread and a church wide celebration.
Amen.
NEXUS Scotland 2007
23-25 August 2007
SECC
Glasgow
Scottish
Christian Resources Exhibition
