A Methodist Way of Life

Finding God in the world.

Leading on from yesterday’s thought we turn our attention to finding God in the World. This has always been part of A Methodist Way of Life since John Wesley’s days, when he said “I look upon all the world as my parish; thus far I mean, that, in whatever part of it I am, I judge it meet, right, and my bounden duty to declare unto all that are willing to hear, the glad tidings of salvation. This is the work which I know God has called me to; and sure I am that His blessing attends it. ”

Yes, God created this world, but sometimes we forget that he hasn’t left―that his redemptive, creative work happens still today, right here under our feet. So when we seek for God and study his truth, how much are we missing if we don’t awaken to all he has placed in the soil and sky?

Michael J Hines, a Roman Catholic theologian uses the the phrase “sacramental beholding”. In his writing he embraces a sacramental worldview, seeking for God in all things. This idea breaks down the sacred/secular distinction, allowing us to take in the world around us and use it as a vehicle for spiritual nourishment, prayer, or worship. I don’t think that we can imagine a more appropriate idea for a Christian who believes that God created the world and never left it. Sacramental beholding allows us to reach out to God right here, right now. No matter how busy or noisy our day might be, we can allow whatever surrounds us to open our eyes to God’s presence.

Psalm 19 The heavens declare the glory of God;

    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

    night after night they reveal knowledge.

They have no speech, they use no words;

    no sound is heard from them.

Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,

    their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.

    It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,

    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.’

It rises at one end of the heavens

    and makes its circuit to the other;

    nothing is deprived of its warmth.

Lord, we thank you today that you are all-powerful, all-knowing and always perfectly good. Thank you for your daily mercies to us as we struggle through such challenging times. Father, we confess that we do not seek your presence in the world as we ought. We confess that we have settled for lesser things, when we know you desire us to have a personal, close relationship with you. Lord, revive our love for you. Draw close, let us know your presence in our lives. And help us to in turn share your love with our neighbours. Lord, we put our hope in your unfailing love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.