WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
[We pray as Commission members gather for their meeting Sept. 18-20 in Berlin, Germany. Click here for more information.]
A Word from John Wesley
Q. When may a person judge himself to have attained this [perfection in love]?
A. When after having been fully convinced of inbred sin, by a far deeper and clearer conviction than that he experienced before justification, and after having experienced a gradual mortification of it, he experiences a total death to sin, and ,an entire renewal in the love and image of God, so as to rejoice evermore, to pray without ceasing, and in everything to give thanks. (John Wesley, The Character of a Methodist, ¶19.)
A Hymn from Charles Wesley
1. The noisy winds stand ready there
Thy orders to obey;
With sounding wings they sweep the air
To make thy chariot way.
2. There like a trumpet, loud and strong,
Thy thunder shakes our coast;
While the red lightnings wave along
The banners of thy host.
3. On the thin air, without a prop,
Hang fruitful showers around;
At thy command they sink, and drop
their fatness on the ground.
4. Lo! here thy wondrous skill arrays
The earth in cheerful green;
A thousand herbs thy art displays,
A thousand flowers between. (Collection-1781, #217:5-8)
Questions for Reflection:
- In John Wesley’s description of the character of a Methodist he believes that it is possible for us to “experience a total death to sin, and an entire renewal in the love and image of God”… Do you agree or disagree? Why?
- What is the meaning for us today when Charles Wesley guides us to sing of God’s relationship with creation?
- What is the prayer in your heart today? What would hinder you from lifting it to God?
God of freedom, you brought your people out of slavery with a mighty hand. Deliver us from our captivity to pride and indifference to the needs and gifts of others, that we may be ready to love as you have loved us, and to give even as we have received. Amen.
The Wesley excerpts are from A Disciple’s Journal—2017: A Guide for Daily Prayer, Bible Reading, and Discipleship, by Steven W. Manskar. Copyright © 2017 Discipleship Resources, Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The prayer is reprinted with permission from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002, Consultation on Common Texts.
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