Be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace Eph 4:3
I have just completed leading a Living Waters group in Bahrain. There were 6 of us from 6 nations. Dick from Holland, (in his 70's and on his way to Pakistan for ministry among Muslims) Donald from India, Felix from Bahrain, Jonathan from the USA, Robin from Singapore, and me, from Aus. All barriers came down as we confessed our sin, our weaknesses and the Lord's restoring work in our lives. What a privilege to hear one another's confessions, and to speak out the forgiveness and cleansing of the Lord, as He commanded. How much more so, to wait on the Lord in silence to hear, and then speak His word of healing for each brother. Bondages were broken, demonic curses (so common in the Middle East) overturned, cloaks of shame lifted, and the love of Jesus poured into our hearts. Our souls received healing, and our spirits, life! 6 of us sat together in Jesus' name. True to His word, there He was, in the middle, at the very heart of our group, releasing His love, and building us in it. 5 days before we were all strangers to one another, coming together to seek the Lord for healing and wholeness in our sexuality and relationships. The love He gave quickly enabled us to grow in trust, vulnerability and unity. As we closed today we spent time blessing one another, and embracing each other with purity. We celebrated Jesus' Presence and work among us. Bound together by deep love, all barriers came down. We experienced the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, a touch of Heaven. How much we have to look forward to in God's kingdom to come! In the mean time, may we seek to make the church such a healing place.
In Bahrain, in the heart of the Arabian Gulf, as part of the Living Waters Leadership Training team, we would be woken at 4am by the sound of Moslem Prayer, broadcast from the nearby mosque, penetrating the city. 5 times a day, concluding after dark, the dirge would fill the air. It is a way of causing the whole island to offer prayer to Allah. Whilst most would continue about their daily work or sleep, some devout ones would offer their prayer in unison with the official wail.
As a Christian I did not find it offensive or annoying. I simply praised our Living, True and One God that He has a far more effective way of saturating His world with His Presence and prayer. He has placed His Spirit within us, who lives to intercede through us. Everywhere we go, silent but perfect prayer rises to Him. The humility of God does not legislate for, nor dominate with imposing prayer. When Jesus exercised power to heal in the gospels, He told those He healed or delivered not to go and make a fuss about His work, but to be quietly thankful. God is in secret, sees in secret and often works in secret. However, we as His children, who have been filled with His Spirit, and who carry unceasing prayer within us, can be aware of the glory we carry within, and quietly glorify God as we go about our lives. Each morning in Bahrain I go for a 6 kilometer run around the city. As I run, I rejoice that I carry the Holy Spirit and His prayer within me, and celebrate the fact that everywhere I go, at every moment, praise for the Living God ascends from me. Its Holy Spirit holler! A silent hymn of praise which does not dominate the landscape, but which roars in Heaven, and before the powers of darkness.
