Discover
Susan Naylor of Oak Hill, VA, USA
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28
Discover! Our world exudes the excitement, amazement, and trepidation of discovery. New worlds, electricity, air travel, medical cures, internet, and so much more. We benefit greatly and yet often fear new advancements.
This World Conference’s theme Discover! brings much of the same excitement and nervousness that comes with any new discovery. For some World Conference is a time of renewal, to worship in large communities, to share intimately with old friends, to sing our favorite hymns with zeal and fervor; for some this may be a first time and they come not only with excitement but nervousness of the unknown-what will it be like? Will anyone talk to me? Whom will I meet? What is expected? We are called to dig deeper, meet new people, explore new ideas, challenge our understandings, and listen intently to one another and the Spirit within. Where is God calling us?
In 1972 as an eight-year-old, recently baptized member, I received my second communion at World Conference. Growing up in Independence, World Conference was a normal part of our family life. Yet, this particular Conference was different. I discovered I belonged to something bigger than myself. I discovered I was a part of a world church that was committed to walking this journey together. Sometimes in fear of new thoughts and ideas, we have not seen eye to eye, but we diligently move forward, sharing the message and mission of Christ’s peace.
This World Conference, I invite you to a week of discovery. Discover in the 25-year celebration of the Independence Temple the ongoing ministries that lead us onward in our own communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. Discover each day someone new from a different part of the world. Discover a new thought, a new idea, and a new concept. Discover the joy of worshipping through meditation, prayer, and song. Discover the renewed challenge of a world waiting for us to share Christ’s invitation.
Like the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well who encountered the living Christ and faced her past, Discover the living Christ renewed in you. The Christ, who loves us unconditionally, embraces us no matter where we’ve been, and challenges us to proclaim the good news that He lives! Discover the living water anew and return to our communities with courage to invite, to risk something new, and to be a blessing of love and peace to all.
Prayer Phrase
We are One in Christ.
Spiritual Practice
Week Six: Discover
Journal/Reflect
We live in an uncertain and exciting time. The Spirit is yearning to be incarnate in new places, ways, and forms. In a recent address, President Veazey proclaimed that the “future church already is being born.” How are you invited to discover the new life that is already emerging around us? What might it look like, in preparation for conference, to cultivate a posture of curiosity and discovery as we seek together where the Living God is at work among us?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
