From Pastor's Study - Hope Lutheran

June 2008

Not too long ago, I was surprised by a question posed to me by a colleague. "How is your prayer life?" he asked. At first I thought he was prying a little. I am not use to folks asking personal questions about my faith. Knowing my friend, his question came from a place of care. In time I came to appreciate the fact that he asked the question. It did get me thinking. In the life of the church it seems more than appropriate to ask each other how things are in matters of our faith journey. Given how important faith is, why wouldn’t we talk about it? In thinking about the question, I had to admit that its easier for me to prepare sermons, make calls, and be busy than it is for me to carve out regular time to reflect, pray and seek the presence of God in my life. I think here of Psalm 131: but I have calmed and quieted my soul. We keep learning over and over again that the ancient practices of the faith, like daily Bible reading and prayer brings us into a place where we find strength and peace in God’s promises.

Such discipline is often found in the older generations. Here they are our teachers and encouragers in the faith. Here they serve as our mentors and examples. It is not uncommon to visit an older member, and see their Bible’s open with a devotional alongside of it in a central place in the home like a kitchen table. For many this is just the way it has always been. Bible reading is a natural part of their daily routines and connected to life itself. In light of such practices, we can see the nature of faith formation and all its implications for our lives. And through such practices we more clearly see the vital partnership between the congregation and the home. Reading scriptures and praying daily draw us into our Sunday worship experience. Sunday’s proclamation leads us to engage the living Word throughout the week.

So then, let me ask you, how is your prayer life? Perhaps in our friendships and caring conversations we can encourage one another in living out our faith in letting the Word of God richly dwell within us. Perhaps by such conversations we can be reminded of the renewing work of the Spirit in our lives and in the church. I look forward to these summer days and living in the Word with you. Let me know how your summer Bible reading is going?

– Pastor Randy Olson