I love how God has a way of working and providing what you need, just at the right time. Monday night I came to the realization while talking to my best friend that my “worship tank” was dry. I love worshipping with my iPod; I love worshipping with my team with acoustic guitar and djembe; I love the opportunities to lead worship in various churches here. However, I really miss being leading worship as part of a full band and I really miss the experience of participating in worship with a full band as well. I don’t know, there is just something about feeling the bass reverberating in my insides that gives me this sense of God’s heart beat within me.
Well last night I had that experience that I so needed and longed for. I had the opportunity to attend an event at the Manchester Cathedral called Hope 2008. This was just one of several prayer and worship meetings geared towards preparing and empowering people to take part in the campaign of Hope 2008 that will be happening all throughout England in 2008. It was so wonderful to worship and pray with several hundred people who truly desire to see life and revival in the church in England again.
As part of the service we read and proclaimed this Declaration of Hope together. I thought it was so powerful and I want to share it with you as well. I hope that this is the work that you will be about in 2008 wherever in the world you find yourself.
Be a giver of hope this day!!
Chad
With God’s help:
I affirm that in 2008, I intend to bring:
Hope in place of discord
Opportunities out of challenges
Praise instead of criticism
Encouragement to replace despair.
We affirm that in our Church, 2008 will be a year of:
Holiness and wholeness
One purpose for many people
Prayer that leads to action
Everyone finding a place to belong.
We pray that for our community, 2008 will be a year of:
Healing for those who are broken
Order where there is chaos
Protection for the vulnerable
Enterprise for all.
We pray for our nation, that 2008 will be a year of:
Health of body mind and spirit
Open-hearted attitudes
Passion for justice and mercy
Expectations and visions fulfilled.
We pray that the God of all Hope will give us the faith and courage to live lives that will release HOPE this year. I make this declaration and pray this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord. Amen.
(World Prayer Centre)
For additional info see:
www.hope08.com
www.hopemanchester.com
www.manchestercathedral.org
www.worldprayer.org.uk
