This past Sunday I had the anxiety producing privilege of leading our Sunday Worship. Other than the nauseating symptoms, I really enjoyed the experience. I am not a detailed individual so I was a little concerned about getting the flow of worship in the same format my fellow worshipers are used to. Looking past that, I felt a inner calm about doing something outside of my "comfort zone." I knew that it was a step that God had called me to take (even though it was not totally my idea).
Lessons Learned from this Experience:
- I did not feel comfortable praying for/over other people
- Have confidence, speak up
- I learned about the Lay Speaker Training offered by the Methodist Church
Reflections:
My discomfort in praying over others is most likely routed in my lacking prayer life in the privacy of my own home. I am out of practice. Practice... with time and repetition I believe I could have more confidence in speaking in front of my worshiping peers. I hope to get the opportunity to participate in the Lay Speaker Training to explore further God's prodding in my life.
3 comments:
drebert,
Don't you see... that is part of my reluctance! I like to blame my children's behavior on the PK's, and not vice versa.
;p
You experienced something real and very powerful. It is the same things I feel almost every week to some degree.
Ministry is not about having "arrived" at a place of comfort. Ministry is about having come to the place of submission and acceptance of what God calls you to do.
Praying in front of and for others is naturally uneasy at first. I still struggle with both. But the unease you experience should remind you that we are still dependent upon God to "make up the difference" between where we are and how God works.
Thank you for serving last week.
I have been in full-time ministry for just over 5 years, preaching almost weekly throughout that time (well, bi-weekly for the first 4 years), and I'm always nervous and uncomfortable preaching the Word because it's an awesome responsibility. I always pray that the Holy Spirit would speak through me or in spite of me...
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