Mark 13: 24-37 BibleGateway.com
Watch and pray! The Gospel of Mark gives us a call to be alert and prepared for Jesus Christ's coming. We are asked to be changed and fortified by God's Word and assist the in-breaking of the kingdom of heaven on earth now, in our daily lives.
Working with men incarcerated at the New mexico State Penintentiary taught me the power of solitude for training one's alertness and observation skills. They had very little human contact, yet they were keenly skilled in watching and listening to discern what was about to happen. They sought control and power over an environment that was cold, hard, unforgiving, and unpredictable.
Not knowing what or when something is coming may cause us to feel itchy, distracted, and unproductive. We can spend our time ruminating on the past or so focused on our future that we miss the "precious present." In the now is where we are most available, aware, observant, on the ball, and ready to fulfill God's constant call to be a servant of the Gospel, and disciple of Christ.
Life is hectic; therefore, let us take time during Advent to be alert to God speaking to us. We do this is prayer, confession, worship, serving, celebrating, silence, and simplicity. When we intentionally practice these spritual disciplines, we prepare ourselves to listen for and actively seek and be God's will.
Eternal God, always present and deeply caring for all of your children, prepare our minds and hearts to be ready to act on the promise of your Word. Help us to be your will by loving and caring for persons who are alone and need our generous love. In Christ's name we pray. Amen
Watch and pray! The Gospel of Mark gives us a call to be alert and prepared for Jesus Christ's coming. We are asked to be changed and fortified by God's Word and assist the in-breaking of the kingdom of heaven on earth now, in our daily lives.
Working with men incarcerated at the New mexico State Penintentiary taught me the power of solitude for training one's alertness and observation skills. They had very little human contact, yet they were keenly skilled in watching and listening to discern what was about to happen. They sought control and power over an environment that was cold, hard, unforgiving, and unpredictable.
Not knowing what or when something is coming may cause us to feel itchy, distracted, and unproductive. We can spend our time ruminating on the past or so focused on our future that we miss the "precious present." In the now is where we are most available, aware, observant, on the ball, and ready to fulfill God's constant call to be a servant of the Gospel, and disciple of Christ.
Life is hectic; therefore, let us take time during Advent to be alert to God speaking to us. We do this is prayer, confession, worship, serving, celebrating, silence, and simplicity. When we intentionally practice these spritual disciplines, we prepare ourselves to listen for and actively seek and be God's will.
Eternal God, always present and deeply caring for all of your children, prepare our minds and hearts to be ready to act on the promise of your Word. Help us to be your will by loving and caring for persons who are alone and need our generous love. In Christ's name we pray. Amen
Will Heimbach, Senior Student
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.
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