Open Doors
Andrew Fox of Chesterfield, England
Endure trials for the sake of discipline. Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. -Hebrews 12:7a, 11-13
A number of years ago the British Isles Mission Centre had “Open Doors” as a focus for the whole year. During that time, we endeavoured to respond to the challenge of opening our doors to welcome others in and opening our doors to venture out.
One Sunday evening my wife and I met with a group of young people for worship and took “Open Doors” as our theme. Toward the beginning of our time together we invited each person present to wander through the church and open every door they saw. Doors between rooms were opened, restroom doors were opened, doors to cupboards were opened, and exterior doors were opened.
The young people then returned to a circle of chairs in the middle of the sanctuary. Near the circle a fire exit door was wide open. Previously no one outside church would have been able to see what was going on inside. But now the young people could look out onto a busy high street and people passing by could look in and see them.
I asked the young people to give me one word to describe how they were feeling. Many words were shared, but the word that will always remain with me came from one of the youngest girls there. She simply said, “Vulnerable.” Many of the other youth nodded in agreement.
Coming to church can be wonderful, but there is a danger that being comfortable can lead to complacency. It often feels safe to be with our friends, sheltered inside the walls of our church building, behind closed doors. But if we truly have a desire to invite people to Christ, we will need to throw open our doors and make ourselves vulnerable, confident in the knowledge that God walks with us.
Prayer Phrase
“Be vulnerable to divine grace” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 163:10b).
Spiritual Practice
This month, spend time each day noticing where divine grace is already pouring forth. Perhaps it is a simple awareness of creation’s systems and cycles that support our daily existence. The sun rises each day without being asked. There are underlying rhythms and relationships that hold the fabric of our lives together. Sometimes they fall into the background of our lives. We forget to see the natural generosity that spills over throughout our days-of the planet, the people we love, the Sacred Presence in all moments, the kindness of strangers we encounter, and the gifts we carry within. What is already being given in your life? What does it look like to be vulnerable to divine grace today?
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.