Prayer

James Tissot Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France. Jesus Goes Up Alone onto a Mountain to Pray (Jésus monte seul sur une montagne pour prier), 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 11 3/8 x 6 1/4 in. (28.9 x 15.9 cm) Sheet: 11 3/8 x 6 1/4 in. (28.9 x 15.9 cm) Frame: 20 x 15 x 1 1/2 in. (50.8 x 38.1 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.137. No known copyright restrictions (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.137_PS1.jpg) https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/en-GB/objects/4512

“But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:6). There can be much more to prayer than the recitations by rote or the extemporaneous vocalizations of our wants, needs, hopes, and praise. When we look back into the history of the Church, we actually see such a wide and rich theology and spirituality in prayer. From Ignatian contemplation to the shooting of a dart of our love up into the Cloud of Unknowing, there is a plethora of traditional ways of prayer that go above and beyond typical vocal or mental prayer. It is this history and these methods that we ought not to discard but bring back into our modern hectic lives in order to truly go after the perfection, holiness, and unity with the Lord that we are called to.

Thus, here, I would like to offer a recommendation for how you may deepen in your time of prayer. Starting with Scripture, we may participate in Lectio Divina and take a short selection of verses to mull over in our mind and meditate on instead of rushing through our reading plans. And once you think you’ve done enough and are ready to move on, go a little longer, as there is even more that God may impress upon you if you truly give it the time. Alternatively, you can meditate on parts of the Passion of Christ; you can even imagine yourself into the narrative and see how it would feel to be there before our Lord and the wonderful work that he accomplished for us. If art is more of your style, then you may consider Visio Divina and select your favorite religious art to gaze upon and let encapsulate your mind.

Once you have gotten mediation down of whatever sort you like, you might consider moving on to something more simple, yet possibly all there more daunting, and what the great mystics of the Church have been doing for generations. This form of prayer, which the 14th-century work, The Cloud of Unknowing, gets at, involves less of the intellect and more of the will. It is to sit there and focus on God, not by the exhausting of the mind on any concepts of Him, yourself, or His works, but to direct your will, your love, towards Him, forgetting everything else and waiting upon Him to come and meet you in that simplicity of love. There is nothing you can do in that place to cause anything; only give the Lord yourself and let Him meet you however He chooses. If you can master that and never give it up, you will have everything.

The Creation

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Creation (La Création), c. 1896-1902. Gouache on board, Dimensions: 8 1/8 × 9 11/16 in. (20.7 × 24.6 cm). The Jewish Museum, Transfered from the New York Public Library. https://thejewishmuseum.org/collection/26663

The Creation, our world, and our home is good. It may be marred, but it is good: “For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God” (Romans 8:20-21). God affirms this goodness during the creation process and at the end in Genesis: “God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). In addition to our longing for redemption, we ought to be cautious to not throw out the goodness there is and fall pray to gnostic temptations that demonize the material. God created heaven and earth. Moreover, the material creation is a testament to the glory of God: “The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork. Day after day they pour out speech, and night after night they display knowledge” (Psalms 19:1-2). Lastly, God himself came down to us and became a material man. Jesus did not just appear to be physical; he was physically here and had a material body. So, let us remember to keep a healthy balance. We aren’t just spirits in a body; we are spirit and body. To be human is to be embodied.

Repentance

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Return of the Prodigal Son (Le retour de l’enfant prodigue), 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 8 11/16 x 5 1/2 in. (22.1 x 14 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.185 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.185_PS1.jpg) https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/4538

“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill treatment with God’s people than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a time, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward” (Hebrews 11:24-26). Though, in the moment, sin may seem to bring us benefit, it is never to our ultimate good. In the end, repentance is always worth it – the sooner, the better. Be it shame or the supposed benefit, many things can restrain us from coming to a state of repentance. Therefore, we should keep two things in mind: the sorrow of sin and the reward in Heaven. Sin brings death, destruction, pain, and misery to us and those around us. As communal beings, what we do affects those around us not just directly but through our actions’ altercations of ourselves. As we grow in sin, it darkens us and corrupts our communing with others. Alternatively, as we grow in righteousness, it lightens us and purifies our communing with others. And, although we may not reap the full reward of all that we do here, in Heaven, there are rewards that we can receive and look forward to. As Paul says, “For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, each man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man’s work is. If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire” (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

Motives

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Calling of Saint Matthew (Vocation de Saint Mathieu), 1886–1896. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 10 1/4 x 6 5/8 in. (26 x 16.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.91 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.91_PS1.jpg) https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/4485

We do everything for a reason: some holy, some mundane, some evil, and some mixed. Proverbs reminds us of how the condition of our own reflection on our actions can be: “All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the motives” (Proverbs 16:2). With such a case, how can we hope to do well in what we do? Well, David gives us an example in his psalm: “Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalms 139:23-24). We might not be able to use our own power, but God can. A prayer like David’s is a vital part of the Christian life. On our own, our minds can be too marred to truly know our state. And our intentions are an essential aspect of all that we do. As Paul says, “If I give away all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don’t have love, it profits me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3). We may think so highly of our selves after many deeds, but if it was all to garner the praise of people, what good was it to our soul? So, in all that you do, “Commit your deeds to the LORD” (Proverbs 16:3). He can lead you in the everlasting way.

Perseverance

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Flight of the Apostles (La fuite des Apôtres), 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 7 7/16 x 4 7/8 in. (18.9 x 12.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.241 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.241_PS2.jpg) https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/13480

As we have seen many leaders fall recently, it can be quite disheartening. Nevertheless, we must remember the words of Paul in Philippians 2:12-13: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” As St. Augustine says, “My good deeds are thy acts and thy gifts; my evil ones are my own faults” (Confessions, bk. 10, ch. 4). In this world in which we live, we have been gifted the beautiful and terrible ability to choose for ourselves. Like Adam, we all have fallen and can fall once more at any point on our journey. However, no matter the size of the sin and the depths of the pit, we must and can do nothing other than rise again. the wise proverb says, “for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity” (Proverbs 24:16).

Release the Body

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). He Sent them out Two by Two (Il les envoya deux à deux), 1886–1896. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 5 3/4 x 9 3/4 in. (14.6 x 24.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.147 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.147_PS2.jpg) https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/4517

Here at Cross Kingdom, we value the Great Commission and each individual’s ministerial calling. As Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 28:19 WEB. Today, in the Western church, evangelism is low. However, we are called to go out into the world. “You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” Matthew 5:14-16 WEB. We are not to be secluded from the world but to do the work of the Lord and lead others to faith. Even if we are not on any mission trips or in full-time ministry, we should be looking for opportunities within the sector God has placed us to show the light of Christ. As Paul says, “For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn’t know God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe” 1 Corinthians 1:21 WEB. In addition to supporting missions as a community, we at CKC want to partner with you personally to better go out and “make disciples of all nations.” Other than instruction during our Sunday service, we have small groups and community leaders able to partner with you for the work that the Lord has in store for your life. So, if you are ready to increase in your personal ministry and grow in community, we exhort you to contact a community leader, join a small group, and get connected!

Equip the Saints

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Lord’s Prayer (Le “Pater Noster”), 1886–1896. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 8 1/2 x 6 7/16 in. (21.6 x 16.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.167 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.167_PS1.jpg) https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/4531

“He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ” Ephesians 4:11-12 WEB. At Cross Kingdom, we recognize the entire body and strive to prepare each part for the work of the Lord whilst keeping in remembrance that no role makes one better than the other. As Jesus says, “But he who is greatest among you will be your servant” Matthew 23:11 WEB. We all have a God-given destiny, but to get to where we are supposed to be, we must be more wholly transformed into the image of Christ and take up the skills for the place we are called to. In addition to our weekly message, we offer periodic weekly classes on topics such as dreams, prophecy, and deliverance. Moreover, our community prioritizes small groups and fellowship. Within some of these groups are skilled individuals in a multitude of areas that can help mentor you into your calling. Additionally, some of our small groups are focused on growing in specific sectors like entrepreneurship. Whatever your destiny may be, here at Cross Kingdom, we are here to help you along the way in our dynamic and active community.

Heal the Broken Heart

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). Jesus Heals the Blind and Lame on the Mountain (Sur la montagne Jésus guérit les aveugles et les boiteux), 1886–1896. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 6 3/4 x 9 3/16 in. (17.1 x 23.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.88 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.88_PS2.jpg) https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/4482

Christ died for more than just a ticket to Heaven. The Book of Isaiah says, “Surely he has borne our sickness and carried our suffering… The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed” Isaiah 53:4-5 WEB. Moreover, the healing we are offered is not just for the big things but even the little hurts we may think are too small to bother God with. Jesus tells us in Luke, “But the very hairs of your head are all counted. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows” Luke 12:7 WEB. God cares about every little aspect of us and our lives. So, when we have pains in our hearts – no matter the size – we can and should address them with Jesus, our healer. Here at Cross Kingdom, we prioritize healing the broken heart and have an inner-healing ministry for everyone in every part of their journey to reflect and bring our hurts, walls, and obscurations of our identity to Christ and let him bring us into being a truer reflection of him and our identity according to him, not the world. When not working with a brother or sister in Christ in growing on our journey in vulnerability or one of our community’s trained inner-healing ministers, we can and should still personally reflect and bring to light all our hindrances to God and ask him to bring what is unknown to us like David in his psalm: “Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” Psalms 139:23-24 WEB. However, we should still walk with others and not use personal reflection as a way out of being vulnerable with our brethren. As James tells us in his letter, “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective” James 5:16-17 WEB. It is not confess by myself that I may be healed (though we ought to and can), but there is a special grace when we do so with another that we are offered and do not receive by ourselves in the same manner.