Missionary Renegade: The United Methodist Church Prays in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "A Promised Presence" for Wednesday, 14 June 2017

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

The United Methodist Church Prays in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "A Promised Presence" for Wednesday, 14 June 2017

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

A Word from John WesleyQ. But how does it appear that this (perfection in love) is to be done before the article of death?
A. From the very nature of a command, which is not given to the dead, but to the living. Therefore, “Thou shalt love God with all your heart,” cannot mean, You shall do this when you die, but, while you live. [John Wesley, The Character of a Methodist, ¶17.]

A Hymn from Charles WesleyCome, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Honour the means ordained by thee!

Make good our apostolic boast,
And own thy glorious ministry.

We now thy promised presence claim,
Sent to disciple all mankind,

Sent to baptize into thy name,

We now thy promised presence find.
(Collection-1781, #464:1 & 2)

Questions for Reflection:

In John Wesley’s description of the character of a Methodist he argues that the command of the Bible is, in fact, possible in this life. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
The gift and the challenge of the Wesleyan way of discipleship is this vision and desire to be all that God commands and promised in this life. Would you want to “love God with all your heart” today? Why or why not?
What is the meaning of Charles Wesley’s words above? What is the “promised presence”?
Reflect on the meaning of this season in the Christian year—this is the week of Trinity Sunday—what does this mean to you this year?

Prayer
God of delight, your Wisdom sings your Word at the crossroads where humanity and divinity meet. Invite us into your joyful being where you know and are known in each beginning, in all sustenance, in every redemption, that we may manifest your unity in the diverse ministries you entrust to us, truly reflecting your triune majesty in the faith that acts, in the hope that does not disappoint, and in the love that endures. Amen.