Martin Luther, the great Protestant Reformer, once wrote, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Luther’s quote weighed on my heart for many years, as I felt like I could never reach that level of devotion – until I realized the man was a monk in a monastery for most of his life! I guess as a monk, he had that kind of luxury. I don’t. I do, however, like the quote. Luther’s conviction helps remind my busy heart that communion with God is a divine opportunity, not a belabored task. And yet, at times, I get busy with life and forget to commune with God along the way.

There are opportunities within our SFC community purposely in place to encourage us to stop, breathe, and pray with our various groups. Now, at the beginning of the school year, is a great time to pause and talk to God together. Please, come and join other parents, students, faculty, and staff on Wednesday morning, August 15th from 8:00-9:00am for our Dedication Prayer. Please park at North Coast Fellowship (940 Genevieve Street) and grab some coffee in the quad – it will be ready before 8:00am. We will start by leading group prayer walks across campus until 8:50am and then close together with group prayer in the quad.

Let’s follow Paul’s encouragement to his friends in the city of Philippi:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

This short thought from Paul shows an intriguing play on words in chapter four. He tells his readers to pray a certain way, and as a result the “peace of God” will be with them. A few sentences later he says to “think on good things.” But what does it mean to think on good things? It means to allow your heart and mind to wander, noodle, dwell or pray on things that are “true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and good.” But Paul does not stop there. He reveals to us that IF we do pray, think and ponder, then, the GOD OF PEACE will be with us. Wow! It’s one thing to have the peace of God, but a far more magnanimous gift to have the GOD OF PEACE with us. He’s with us.

Whether in the quad on August 15th at 8am, or somewhere else in the world, please take a moment to think on the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and good as we all embark on this amazing school year together.

God’s blessings to your homes, R.G.