The United Methodist Church Prays in Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Wednesday, 19 July 2017 "Give Us Ears to Hear"

The United Methodist Church Prays in Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Wednesday, 19 July 2017 "Give Us Ears to Hear"

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017
A Word from John Wesley
Q. Do you affirm that this perfection excludes all infirmities, ignorance, and mistake?
A. I continually affirm quite the contrary, and always have done so.
Q. But how can every thought, word, and work be governed by pure love, and the man be subject at the same time to ignorance and mistake?
A. I see no contradiction here: “A man may be filled with pure love, and still be liable to mistake.” Indeed, I do not expect to be freed from actual mistakes till this mortal puts on immortality. I believe this to be a natural consequence of the soul’s dwelling in flesh and blood. For we cannot now think at all, but by the mediation of these bodily organs, which have suffered equally with the rest of our frame. And hence we cannot avoid sometimes thinking wrong, till this corruptible shall have put on incorruption. [John Wesley, The Character of a Methodist, ¶19.]
A Hymn from Charles Wesley
1. While in thy Word we search for thee
(We search with trembling awe!)
Open our eyes, and let us see
The wonders of thy law.
2. Now let our darkness comprehend
The light that shines so clear;
Now the revealing Spirit send,
And give us ears to hear. (Collection-1781, #86: 2, 3)
Questions for Reflection:

1. In John Wesley’s description of the character of a Methodist, he explains how Christian perfection in love is different than absolution perfection of the mind. Why is this important to John Wesley? Is it important to you?
2. What is the meaning of Charles Wesley’s hymn above? What is the promise?
3. Reflect on the meaning of this season in the Christian year—the mystery of the power of Christ made available to us in his resurrection and now made present in us because of Pentecost. Write your response and discuss it with your spiritual director or a trusted spiritual friend.

Prayer:
O God of mercy, in Jesus Christ you freed us from sin and death, and by your Holy Spirit you nourish our mortal bodies with life. Plant us now in good soil, that our lives may flower in righteousness and peace. 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.

Copyright © 2017 The Upper Room, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:

The Upper Room Strategic Initiatives

PO Box 340007

Nashville, Tennessee 37203, United States

-------