Singing the Faith No 409 – Let us build a house where love can dwell…..
We started a Prayer Space, just a small area in the church, where people could go whatever the time of day to be quiet, to read from books provided, to use simple art materials left around and express their prayer in picture or a mixture of word and graphic.
Reaction at first was puzzlement, surprise and even vague amusement. What was this about? Who on earth would want to use it? Isn’t the church building itself a prayer space? But we got permission; set everything up, complete with notice board and posters and we included an invitation for anyone who wanted to use our notice board for their prayers; to take away their prayer or their picture for their own use or to feel welcome to simply come and be.
We didn’t get hordes queuing but what we did get was a surprise. Sometimes someone was praying in our Prayer Space – often not a usual member of our church family. And sometimes as I passed through and smiled at them, they would smile back, say “hello” and start to talk. Then there was the friend who told me how they loved that space. They couldn’t always make Sunday services for all sorts of very valid reasons; this gave them a chance to “catch up”. Then there were the pictures and words left for sharing – not a huge number but quantity is not what matters all the time.
Why did people come? Evidence from what was left suggested a need for a God who loved them and could understand what they were going through. From my conversations what often emerged was a sense that they could come to a Church, that somehow, they would be taken seriously as they sought for a God to parent them, often despite dreadful experiences with their own parents.
Two weeks ago was mothering Sunday which is seen by many as a day to remember Christ’s Church as our Mother; nurturing and encouraging us; bringing the best out in and of us and other people. Perhaps we should now take stock of our parenting role in today’s society. What are we doing that’s good practice and how can and should we improve?
“All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.”
Prayer
Dear God, Father and Mother of us all, show us how we can be a people who nurture and help people grow. Through your Holy Spirit, show us the way to bring your nurturing love to those around us who are seeking to feel your love for them. In Jesus’ name.
Amen