pray as one reflection #1: presencing and life practices

Our faith community is spending much of Lent praying as one, taking stock of our journey with God in a Jesus way.  This first week, our focus is:

we will ask, listen to, and obey God

 
As I prayed and reflected on this, I came back again & again to the work of Otto Scharmer.  In his books Presence and Theory U: Leading from the Future as it Emerges,  Scharmer invites us to see the world in new ways—and to learn from the future as it emerges.  Scharmer suggests that it all hinges on our attention: If I attend this way, it emerges that way.  But what often keeps us from "attending" is what Scharmer calls our blind spot"¦the inner place from which each of us operates. Unless we become aware of that blind spot—both as individuals and as communities and larger systems—we won't be able to successfully address the pressing issues and challenges of our time.

I have found a great deal of value in the "U" methodology of leading profound change that Scharmer has worked with others to frame:

By moving through the "U" process we learn to connect to our essential Self in the realm of presencing - a term coined by Scharmer that combines the present with sensing.

There is a phrase that is popular in some communities:

she gets it
they don't get it
i don't think that's it

For me, there is a fundamental block in this idea - that some how it is a transaction, an effort to tune in and receive, almost passively, some it.  The Jesus way seems to fundamentally re-arrange this mindset.  In Jesus, God took skin and moved into the neighborhood.  We are invited to ask, listen, obey - as co-creators, as co-sensors with the Word Made Flesh. 

That Word is not simply some signal we must tune in to, some secret message accessed by those with conjuring skills.  That Word is a network we enter into, fused with mystery and ambiguity, teaming with new life and wonder.  There is no core it to get or not, but rather a web of love that entangles us into meaning making with one another.

The word in this week's reflection I struggle with the most is obey.  My mind's image of the word is like some trained animal, that responds to its owner's voice like a machine.  Scharmer's ideas of presencing call me back to the core definition of obey:  to give ear to.   Most often, this giving ear to engage shared practices, disciplines to listen to and with one another. 

In his book Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices, Brian McLaren calls us as children of Abraham back to these disciplines.  He focusses  on the seven ancient practices that unite the Abrahamic traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam:

fixed-hour prayer, fasting, Sabbath, the sacred meal, pilgrimage, observance of sacred seasons, and giving

MacLaren argues that these activities can be called life practices or humane practices because they help us practice being alive, and humanely so.  After describing the Abrahamic practices which grew out of wilderness experiences, McLaren describes Jesus not as initiating a new religion but as proclaiming a new kingdom formed and transformed by spiritual practices. St. Paul follows with an emphasis on walking the path of love, viewing the faith as a process of "learning Christ" through training and exercise.

Like so many other groups, our faith community is struggling to ask for help, to listen and to obey - to give ear to the Voice that is within us and all around us. Just as the "U" methodology is counter to our ready posture of planning & making things happen, in getting  it and sharing it , faith as a way of life based on practices offers a viable alternative to the reactive fundamentalism & consumerist spirituality that too often dominates the noise of churchinaity.  As McLaren has said, it is not about practicing our faith, but rather faithing our practices.

In this season of entering into the chaos of our inner selves, of falling awake - I pray that we can reach for our very essense as a gathered people, present and co-creating, nurtured by the practices that are the very life blood of all we do.

Comments

[prayerwarrior]

Please Pray For Street Bullies & Schools. In The Name Of Jesus Christ. Please Pray for People that been attack by Witch Craft In The name of Jesus Christ. Pray for Enemies... Please Pray for Anger Young teens, Young Adults, & Teen Anger, & Please Pray for Anger People In The name Of Jesus Christ, Pray For teens who are going have a baby Pray For The unsaved Ones, In Jesus Christ Name If any of you are having trouble, pray. If you are happy, sing psalms. (James 5:13) Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) That is why we are not discouraged. Though outwardly we are wearing out inwardly we are renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16) "Dear Lord we ask you to cover us with your protection against all harm and evil and to bind every spirit that may come against us. Into Your hands Dear Lord I commend my body, mind, soul and spirit. Jesus Christ Please Pray For Us. In The Name Of Jesus Christ I Pray. Amen
God Bless USA & Jews. Blessing & Peace…
Jesus help me" is a cry from your heart. You come to Jesus because He is the only one who can help you. "Jesus help me. My life is difficult."
Do you have family, job or money worries? Have people hurt you? Do you suffer from health problems? Is there an emptiness in your life from the loss of a loved one?
Answer: Take all your problems to Jesus. Trust Him to help you. And Jesus who loves you so much will be there for you. In God we trust… ((Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.))

Praying For Others: Jesus consistently employed the beneficial influence of praying for one's fellows. The Master Jesus

May God Always Bless You Abundantly I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
I will Pray

Please Pray For Street Bullies & Schools. In The Name Of Jesus Christ. Please Pray for People that been attack by Witch Craft In The name of Jesus Christ. Pray for Enemies

"We Got to Pray Just to Make It Today" Iron Sharpens Iron: We Got to Pray Just to Make It Today. n Jesus Christ Name

[prayerwarrior]

Please Pray For Street Bullies & Schools. In The Name Of Jesus Christ. Please Pray for People that been attack by Witch Craft In The name of Jesus Christ. Pray for Enemies... Please Pray for Anger Young teens, Young Adults, & Teen Agers, & Please Pray For Anger People In The name Of Jesus Christ, Pray For The unsaved Ones, In Jesus Christ Name If any of you are having trouble, pray. If you are happy, sing psalms. (James 5:13) Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) That is why we are not discouraged. Though outwardly we are wearing out inwardly we are renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16)
King James Bible... 2 Corinthians 13:11 Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Let all things be done decently and in order.
1 Corinthians 14:40
Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
1 Corinthians 7:5
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans - Chapter 12:18
Numbers 6:24-26
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat. Job 38:41

THE BLOOD OF JESUS CLEANSES YOU FROM ALL SIN AND GUILT (1 JOHN 1:7).

JESUS IS THE DELIVERER!!

Honor thy father and thy mother: Deut. 27.16 · Mt. 15.4 ; 19.19 · Mk. 7.10 ; 10.19 · Lk. 18.20 · Eph. 6.2 that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Eph. 6.3
The Ten Commandments (in the most basic terminology.)
1.You shall have no other Gods but me.
2.You shall not make for yourself any idol, nor bow down to it or worship it.
3.You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
4.You shall remember and keep the Sabbath day holy.
5.Respect your father and mother.
6.You must not kill.
7.You must not commit adultery.
8.You must not steal.
9.You must not give false evidence against your neighbor.
10.You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.

[prayerwarrior]

Ps. 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

Pray For Israel & Jews…
Pray For my Hubby His tummy Hurt & He needs Sleep

Psa 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

Pray for Mike. In The name Of Jesus . He works the 3rd shift. Mike by His self no Family or friends. No Dr. and hospital Inc. Mike is mine son

Pray For World Homeless Families. & Please Pray For Homeless Women to… In The Name of Jesus Christ & all There health Problem In The Name Of Jesus Christ

2.

Please Pray for Street Bullies In The Name Of Jesus Christ & Pray For Schools

Prays for President Obama and Wife, & Children’s and his new administration. Your efforts will work powerfully in our nation.

I’M RAYING FOR YOU AND OTHER PEOPLE AROUND ME

Prayer for families is the very foundation that keeps a family unit together. Have you heard the phrase "A family that prays together stays together"? The concept is true - a family that has their focus on praying to the Lord Jesus Christ has a foundation that may be shaken at times, but it will withstand all that comes against them.

3.

4. Prayers for Justice and Peace

[prayerwarrior]

Thank You.... It Is Mine Prayer Lots People agree with me with mine Prayers In jesus Christ Name
God Loves You!
The Bible says, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life"
Please pray for financial miracle Blessing from Heaven … for Work & Good pay for each Family Live on Same road I Live on.
I Pray for Prayers for Your Finances Blessing from Heaven. Only God in Heaven can Do, Bless Mine Hubby, Son & I. & rest of mine Family’s. Bless Finances Blessing from God, for each family That Live on Same road I Live on, I Pray for the ones who do not know Jesus as Their Saver, Will get saved in the Blood of Jesus Christ. I Do pray In Jesus Name, For Young Children’s, Teens, Young Adults. That live on the same rode I Live on, For Peace, Love, Joy, & Learn To Forgive there Self, & Others In Jesus Name… I Pray For Each School Age To stay In school, In Jesus Christ Name… I Do love U Jesus Christ in heaven What You is going Do, Bless You Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ name I Pray. Father In heaven you Get All the Praise & Glory, & Honor Amen. Praise God.
God Bless Jews. & USA. In God I trust
The Great Purpose: Jesus' earthly life was devoted to one great purpose—doing the Father's will, living the human life religiously and by faith.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5, 6… "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:15
Pray For Israel & Jews… Bless Pray For Israel & Jews, Pray for US
Pray For World Homeless Families. & Please Pray For Homeless Women to… In The Name of Jesus Christ & all There health Problem In The Name Of Jesus Christ
Please Pray for Street Bullies In The Name Of Jesus Christ & Pray For Schools Prays for President Obama and Wife, & Children’s and his new administration. Your efforts will work powerfully in our nation.
I’M RAYING FOR YOU AND OTHER PEOPLE AROUND ME
Prayer for families is the very foundation that keeps a family unit together. Have you heard the phrase "A family that prays together stays together"? The concept is true - a family that has their focus on praying to the Lord Jesus Christ has a foundation that may be shaken at times, but it will withstand all that comes against them.
Prayers for Justice and Peace
You Have Got To Pray & Walk In Love! Encourager When You Think Of Me...Pray For Me!
I am thinking about you right now...so I am praying for you. In Jesus Christ I pray. Amen
You Be Encouraged...Everything Will Be Alright...You Are In The Master's Hands And All Is Well.
Just trust God, Have Faith, and do it His Way. In Jesus Name
"We Got to Pray Just to Make It Today" Iron Sharpens Iron: We Got to Pray Just to Make It Today. n Jesus Christ Name
Proverbs 3:5-6 (King James Version)
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Please pray for financial miracle Blessing from Heaven … for Work & Good pay for each Family Live on Same road I Live on. I pray God will over flow Blessing from Heaven. For each families. The Ones who are not saved In the Blood of Jesus will get save. I Pray For Peace, Love & Joy For each Family on same rode I live on. & please Heal each ones Health. Pray for Each Family Salvation. For each Families In The Name Of Jesus Christ I Pray… Amen… I Do Pray for Anger Kids Will Reach to God Hands For Peace, Love, & Joy That Jesus Christ Can Give to Kids…. I Have Faith God will provide People for Jobs. Heaven is not in no depressing. Pray In The Name Of Jesus Christ.
Seek Kingdom Of Heaven
Matt. 7:7, 8: “Ask, and it shall be given you
I Peter 3:12 - “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer…”
Please Pray for Street Bullies, In The Name Of Jesus Christ & Pray For Schools
Pray For The Young Kids , & Teens, Young Adults In The name Of Jesus, Pray For USA, Our World Leaders, & Governments, Pray For Our Troops. Men's & Women's, Solders, & There Famlies
I'M PRAYING FOR YOU AND OTHER PEOPLE AROUND ME
Pray For World Homeless Families In The Name Of Jesus Christ. Pray For Jews, & Israel, In The Name Of Jesus Christ, Please Pray For Familys Live On Same Road I Live On, God Will Bless there, Home, Work, & Schools, & The Familys who do not know Jesus as there Saver Will get Saved, In The Blood Of jesus Christ,
Hear our prayers, O God, In The name of Jesus Christ I Pray
Hear our prayers, O God;
Incline your ear to us,
and grant us your

In The Name Of Jesus Christ

[prayerwarrior@btconline.net]

Say a Prayer for the Youth of America

FATHER GOD SEND REVIVAL, AND LET IT START WITH ME" Let your spirit revive! Pray For USA troops In The Name Of jesus christ.

Pray For USA Troops In The Name Of Jesus Christ, Pray For The Vets In The Name Of Jesus Christ

Pray for Denmark, & China, & German , & Pray For USA. In The name Of Jesus christ

Prays for President Obama and Wife, & Children’s and his new administration. Your efforts will work powerfully in our nation. In The Name of Jesus Christ

Pray For Israel & Jews… Pray For Mother In Israel. "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved"

Pray For USA Mothers, & russians women, Pray For Muslim Women To, Please. Pray For Working Mothers, Pray For Singel Mothers, & Singel Great GrainMother. Will Have Peace in There Heart. Mothers Who Do Not Know U As There Saver Salvation Will Get Saved In The Blood Of Jesus Christ

If my people...

who are called by my name will humble
themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then...

I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Pray for Your Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ:
The Apostle Paul gives us two prayer examples of what to pray for regarding the Body of Christ in Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-21. Pray these prayers for your Church Leaders, your Brothers and Sisters in Christ, and for yourself.

God promised Abraham He will bless those who blessed him and curse those who curse him. This promise was not only for Abraham, but for all of his covenant descendants - the Jewish people. Pray that our leaders will make the correct decisions to make our country a blessing to Israel. Also, Christians need to pray that the nation of Israel will recognize the Lord Jesus Christ as their Messiah and Savior, that they will have peace and success, and that they will possesses the land that God has promised them. (Genesis 12:2-3, 15:18-21, 17:8, 17:21, 22:15-18, Deuteronomy 30:2-5)

Pray For World Homeless Families. & Please Pray For Homeless Women to… In The Name of Jesus Christ & all There health Problem In The Name Of Jesus Christ

Pray For In The Name Of Jesus Christ

Prays for President Obama and Wife, & Children’s and his new administration. Your efforts will work powerfully in our nation.
Attorney General
—Eric Holder
Secretary of State
—Hillary Clinton
Chief of Staff
—Rahm Emanuel
Chair, Council of Economic Advisers
—Christina Romer
President: George W. Bush
Vice-President: Richard Cheney
Secretary of State: Colin L. Powell
Secretary of Treasury: Paul O'Neill
Secretary of Defense: Donald Rumsfeld
Attorney General: John Ashcroft
Secretary of the Interior: Gale Norton
Secretary of Agriculture: Ann Veneman
Secretary of Commerce: Donald L. Evans
Secretary of Labor: Elaine Chao
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Tommy Thompson
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Mel Martinez
Secretary of Transportation: Norman Mineta
Secretary of Energy: Bill Richardson
Secretary of Education: Rod Paige
Secretary of Veteran Affairs: Anthony Principi

Supreme Court Justices:
William H. Rehnquist (Chief Justice)
David Souter
Sandra Day-O'Connor
Clarence Thomas
Anthony Kennedy
Antonin Scalia
Steven Breyer
John P. Stevens
Ruth Bader Ginsberg



If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (NIV)
Pray For Our Youth & Young Adults.In The Name Of Jesus Christ
A family that prays together stays together.
Please Pray for Street Bullies In The Name Of Jesus Christ & Pray For Schools
. Bless There Home & Work & Shool. Bless There health to, & The One's who do not know Jesus As There Saver Salvation will Get Saved In The Blood Of Jesus.

Prayer of a Mother whose children are no longer at home. In The Name Of Jesus Christ
I’M RAYING FOR YOU AND OTHER PEOPLE AROUND ME
Prayer for families is the very foundation that keeps a family unit together. Have you heard the phrase "A family that prays together stays together"? The concept is true - a family that has their focus on praying to the Lord Jesus Christ has a foundation that may be shaken at times, but it will withstand all that comes against them.
Prayers for Justice and Peace

Please Pray for Other People Have Heart Problem. & Diabetes, In The Name Of Jesus Christ &, Athesma Problems.
And the Blind In The Name Of Jesus Christ. Pray For Israel & Jews… Pray For World Homeless Families. & Please Pray For Homeless Women to… In The Name of Jesus Christ & all There health Problem In The Name Of Jesus Christ… Prays for President Obama and Wife, & Children’s and his new administration. Your efforts will work powerfully in our nation.
Pray For World Homeless Families. & Please Pray For Homeless Women to… In The Name of Jesus Christ & all There health Problem In The Name Of Jesus Christ…
Hear our prayers, O God, In The name of Jesus Christ I Pray

I do pray that any of our nation's leaders who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior would develop a relationship with Him. Pray that those who are believers would grow closer to Him each day. In The Name Of Jesus Christ I Pray. Amen
Hear our prayers, O God, In The name of Jesus Christ I Pray
Praying For Every One Around Me
Pray For Our Enemies

O God, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

I do pray that any of our nation's leaders who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior would develop a relationship with Him. Pray that those who are believers would grow closer to Him each day. In The Name Of Jesus Christ I Pray. Amen

God’s word is clear on the who and the what of Singing praises to God.

God’s people are to Sing Praises to God with spiritual songs about the Lord with melody

This great Nation.. the United Kingdom is in serious need of a revival. Please join your prayers with us as we ask God to bring revival to this nation. It will start in his church.. God's church needs and has to repent on an individual and corporate basis. Please pass on to all your friends

[prayerwarrior]

Pray For Israel & Jews… Pray For Mother In Israel. Pray For USA Mothers, & russians women, Pray For Working Mothers Will Have Peace in There Heart. Mothers Who Do Not Know U As There Saver Salvation Will Get Saved In The Blood Of Jesus Christ

Pray for Your Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ:
The Apostle Paul gives us two prayer examples of what to pray for regarding the Body of Christ in Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-21. Pray these prayers for your Church Leaders, your Brothers and Sisters in Christ, and for yourself.

Pray for the Nation of Israel:
God promised Abraham He will bless those who blessed him and curse those who curse him. This promise was not only for Abraham, but for all of his covenant descendants - the Jewish people. Pray that our leaders will make the correct decisions to make our country a blessing to Israel. Also, Christians need to pray that the nation of Israel will recognize the Lord Jesus Christ as their Messiah and Savior, that they will have peace and success, and that they will possesses the land that God has promised them. (Genesis 12:2-3, 15:18-21, 17:8, 17:21, 22:15-18, Deuteronomy 30:2-5)

Pray For World Homeless Families. & Please Pray For Homeless Women to… In The Name of Jesus Christ & all There health Problem In The Name Of Jesus Christ

Pray For In The Name Of Jesus Christ

Prays for President Obama and Wife, & Children’s and his new administration. Your efforts will work powerfully in our nation.
Attorney General
—Eric Holder
Secretary of State
—Hillary Clinton
Chief of Staff
—Rahm Emanuel
Chair, Council of Economic Advisers
—Christina Romer

If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (NIV)

Pray For Our Youth & Young Adults.In The Name Of Jesus Christ
A family that prays together stays together.

Please Pray for Street Bullies In The Name Of Jesus Christ & Pray For Schools
Pray For The Family Live Be side me & Around me. Bless There Home & Work & Shool. Bless There health to, & The One's who do not know Jesus As There Saver Salvation will Get Saved In The Blood Of Jesus.

Prayer of a Mother whose children are no longer at home. In The Name Of Jesus Christ


I’M RAYING FOR YOU AND OTHER PEOPLE AROUND ME
Prayer for families is the very foundation that keeps a family unit together. Have you heard the phrase "A family that prays together stays together"? The concept is true - a family that has their focus on praying to the Lord Jesus Christ has a foundation that may be shaken at times, but it will withstand all that comes against them.

Prayers for Justice and Peace

Please Pray for Other People Have Heart Problem. & Diabetes, In The Name Of Jesus Christ &, Athesma Problems.
And the Blind In The Name Of Jesus Christ. Pray For Israel & Jews… Pray For World Homeless Families. & Please Pray For Homeless Women to… In The Name of Jesus Christ & all There health Problem In The Name Of Jesus Christ… Prays for President Obama and Wife, & Children’s and his new administration. Your efforts will work powerfully in our nation.
Pray For World Homeless Families. & Please Pray For Homeless Women to… In The Name of Jesus Christ & all There health Problem In The Name Of Jesus Christ…
Hear our prayers, O God, In The name of Jesus Christ I Pray

I do pray that any of our nation's leaders who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior would develop a relationship with Him. Pray that those who are believers would grow closer to Him each day. In The Name Of Jesus Christ I Pray. Amen
Hear our prayers, O God, In The name of Jesus Christ I Pray
Praying For Every One Around Me
Pray For Our Enemies

O God, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

I do pray that any of our nation's leaders who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior would develop a relationship with Him. Pray that those who are believers would grow closer to Him each day. In The Name Of Jesus Christ I Pray. Amen

[rick diamond]

amen, amen, amen ...
wow. gorgeous. beauty.