I have continued to ask the Lord how I, we, can walk worthily and wisely in this time. As I woke up desirous to do my daily spiritual discipline of Common Prayer this morning, I lamented for those who might have a deficient to no prayer life. The sad reality is that many people, even many Christians, have little to no prayer in their lives for a variety of reasons – no sure how, fail to mark out time, and have no reminder or accountability. I responded obediently to these thoughts this morning, as I discerned them to be God-led, and I remarked “Here I am Lord, send me (cf. Isaiah 6:8)”.
The week ahead is what has been distinguished by many as “Holy Week” and yet many across the nation, across the world even, are self-isolating due to the Coronavirus pandemic. I believe we have a unique opportunity before us to walk in a “new monasticism”, which is exactly what 20th century pastor, theologian, and Nazi-dissident, Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, would be “the renewal of the Church”. Being in isolation like the ancient monks, yet in a new and contemporary way, affords us a time to walk wisely and worthily in regards to our spiritual disciplines. So I will offer and challenge each of us for the week ahead to practice Common Prayer and the Divine Hours. To accompany these practices, and to serve as an accountability reminder, I will be ringing the bells at each hour of prayer at The Blue Point Bible Church (which has continued to serve as a signal for our prayers on behalf of he surrounding community).
I imagine that many of you who will participate might not be in earshot of B.P.B.C., so you can set your own “church bell” reminders with the following “Divine Hours” marked out:
Prime – 6AM
Terce – 9AM
Sext – 12PM
None – 3PM
Vespers – 6PM
Compline – 7PM
While there are many “prayer warriors” in the Christian community, there are also prayer who suffer from a lack of knowing what to say or pray. I enjoy formatted prayers and working them out to my benefit, something I do with the daily Common Prayer. I also couple my reading and prayer time with short readings and devotionals I enjoy. I encourage you to develop your own Common Prayer. However, you can visit the following website to read other daily, afternoon, and evening formatted prayers, www.commonprayer.net
Also, if you have interest to do a bit more reading into these ancient practices, visit the following websites:
I look forward to taking notice of the blessings, praises, and answered prayers that will flow from our walking worthily and wisely in this time. To God be the glory.
By His continued grace and mercy,
Pastor Michael Miano
www.bluepointbiblechurch.org
