Often, the concept of “Church” is referred to as a living organism. This idea is further purported when “it” is referred to rather by the pronoun “She.” And most of us would agree that such an appellation is appropriate. The Church is nothing if “She” is not actually alive – and being alive insinuates much more than simply being made up of living parts. She is living – and this truth implies movement, growth, and – yes – change. And with change, new experiences of excitement, anticipation, and challenge inevitably arrive – as do new encounters of pain, loss, and grieving. It is because of the sheer nature of this life, this existence as a corporate living entity – with all of its inherent and potential positives and negatives – that the Church must also take up the charge to approach her adventures as a “living process,” a journey of the spirit. Such journeys are also living, moving, and can sometimes even be temperamental.

This is why being faithful to that perspective requires a diligence to one particular spiritual exercise, perhaps over all others…tenacious prayer.

With all the pragmatic and technical aspects of Interim process work we have attended to here at OCC, God has not relinquished His expectation that we undergird this whole process in prayer – and in expectation, and hope, and enthusiasm. Our need to continually hear the Holy Spirit’s voice as we plot forward is paramount; nothing is more important than staying “plugged in” while we are doing this work…God’s work.

I found it encouraging that, at the conclusion of our Lenten study, many of those attending were asking for more teaching on prayer, and on the deeper life of the Christian. There are few things that warm the edges of a pastor’s heart more than hearing a sentiment like that. And we will visit different options in that regard as we press on through the spring, summer and into next Fall. Our goal, however, is not merely to have good intentions – or to simply plunge ourselves into more academic or cognitive exercise – but to learn to secure and discover the mind and will and heart of God, and to discover how to more fully enjoy and learn of Him, from Him.

And of course I would be remiss in these thoughts if I did not include that, if nothing else motivates us to pray, perhaps this one fact can: that God is intent on showing up as well – and, in fact, waits to meet with us.

Beyond this, however, is a point more foundational to the power and effectiveness of a Church’s prayer life. It, too, must be viewed as alive…as a practice worth keeping alive, and one which only the commitment to its very discipline will accomplish.

In II Chronicles 7:11-16, God gives us some insight in how to approach major times of transition. In this story, Solomon had just finished having the permanent Temple built for the Lord, and Israel was in the process of a major change – shifting from worshipping God in temporary tabernacles to worshipping in one place perpetually. This was not only a major task for Solomon, but a milestone for the worship and religious life of the nation. And it required significant change.

After dedicating the Temple to God, the Lord came to Solomon and prophesied Israel’s rebellion against this shift. Paraphrasing, He simply says, “It is inevitable that My people will rebel at some point in the near future. When that happens, be sure to admonish them and tell them that if they humble themselves and pray, and are diligent to seek Me and turn from their ways and return to Me, I will hear them – and I will forgive them – and I will heal them.” He closes His thoughts by pointing out to Solomon in vs. 15-16 that the very purpose of His charging him with the task of building the Temple was to hear the prayers of His people, and to be present in that place, and to meet with them when they came to Him.

Having a God who does not change in either character or promise, we have this assurance as well – He will most definitely meet with us when we are intentional about meeting with Him. Indeed, God waits for such moments.

I am praying and hoping that, more and more, prayer will be undergirding, upholding, and strengthening our efforts as a transitioning body. God’s admonishment in II Chronicles is that transition is only effective if experienced – if entered – through the portal of humble and diligent prayer. Seeking God’s face is not a practice merely for the “ultra-spiritual” – it is our charge – your charge – it is up to you and me. And as the Lord told Solomon…..He will be waiting for us.