Wednesday, November 15, 2006
prayer of gladness for nuture
We are surrounded by people who have shaped us, nurtured us, taught us to read and write, warned us, pushed us, inspired us, blessed us.
God of growth
You have shaped us
Through the love and devotion of your saints
Inspire us to follow their example
Through the true vine that is Jesus our Christ, Amen.
If you want to make this prayer your own, you could leave the initials of people you are thankful for.
For a prayer of patience, go here.
For a prayer for those walking with grief, go here.
Posted by steve at 10:33 PM
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“We are surrounded by people who have shaped us, nurtured us, taught us to read and write, warned us, pushed us, inspired us, blessed us.”
I know it’s “off topic” but this gets me, it’s correct, and unfortunately, is still correct for small children that are born in Saudi Arabia who never ever experience Christianity.
Comment by Andrew — November 16, 2006 @ 10:30 am
Great question Andrew. Some forms of Christianity and some understandings of God would send these kids to hell. Other forms of Christianity might apply Matthew 25 – sheep and goats – and allow a place for God’s grace to be responded to by those who don’t experience Christianity.
What does your understanding of God do with this reality of kids in Saudi Arabia?
steve
Comment by steve — November 16, 2006 @ 11:23 am
Well, I’m between two things really, my reformed side says they don’t get to be with God, because in the end, all acts are for God’s glory, even if we don’t understand them right now, but then again, I don’t see how it’s fair and in that case, and I can’t believe I say this, but universalism appeals…
Comment by Andrew — November 16, 2006 @ 4:06 pm
i think you have now noted a 3rd position – universalism.
i don’t think it’s fair to apply universalism to my suggestion re Matthew 25; that text still leaves you with space to say that those who choose to step outside God’s love on this earth, God will honour that trajectory in the life to come; but that for those who do not hear God’s love in Jesus ie babies, people with learning disabilities, kids in Saudi Arabia – Matt 25 suggests a different criteria for judgement.
it’s just a wondering in my mind and i know that you have a mind that enjoys the stimulus and the courage to be honest rather than cop out to “what your tradition” has always said; so i thought I’d toss the comment in – just for you 🙂
steve
Comment by steve — November 16, 2006 @ 4:28 pm