This was the opening sign:
Chapter 1:
This is our story…
I have an overabundanceHopefully as you enter this space, your senses are flooded with fond memories. As you recall some of your cherished memories, take a seat and thank God for your overabundance.
As we “entered the story,” walking through the gym-turned-prayer-labyrinth on Sunday,* we were challenged from Matthew 25:35-46.
We saw a table spread with foods a typical American family eats in a week. Then felt the sting of empty bellies at a table of sparse food with bowls of rice and little else.
We heard a bell toll every 7 seconds. A child dies from hunger-related causes every 7 seconds.
We were invited:
- To drink a cup of dirty water (we declined)
- To carry a bucket of water a villager carries for hours each week
- To see an area spread with 500 flags—children who would die by the time we walked through the labyrinth
- To sit in a homeless camp
- To try on homemade shoes
- To hear a sick baby crying nonstop, knowing her outcome in a poor country would probably be death
- To sit in a solitary cell
But we also were invited:
- To not be overwhelmed (I was) and read 2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Timothy 3:17; Philippians 1:5-6
- To take home an available box to fill with food and return to the church’s food pantry
- To buy a t-shirt at their upcoming Mission Marketplace with proceeds benefiting local and international missions
- To write a card to be given to someone who needed love
- To leave a message on a board for someone who would walk through needing hope
- And most importantly, to pray, asking God to show us what He would have us do now
The impression left on me by the prayer labyrinth—by God—is still strong. How will I respond?
My immediate response is gratitude. For food and water and clothes and health...and grace.
And gratitude that God used a prayer labyrinth on a Sunday afternoon at somebody else’s church to open my senses (again) to the overabundance of grace from His hand.
“Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,
or thirsty and give you drink?
And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you,
or naked and clothe you?
And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?”
And the King will answer them,
“Truly, I say to you,
as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,
you did it to me.”
Matthew 25:37-40
* * *
What are you thankful for today?
4 comments:
Wow....what an eye and heart-opening experience, Lisa. We are so blessed in abundance that we take the basics for granted. How merciful God is on us, and may we show the love of Christ in teaching our children to be grateful for all gifts from His hand and to bless others all the while. Inspiring post, friend!
What a fantastic idea!
Wow, I've never heard of a prayer labyrinth but just reading of it has made a lasting impression on me. Very inspiring post Lisa!
I've heard of prayer labyrinths, but not one like that one! Sounds like it was less mystical and more take-the-gospel-to-the-nations oriented. I could go for a prayer labyrinth like that.
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