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Introduction ..................22Suitcase action plan ....24 Information ...................... 27

ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s

welcome to converse

Introduction by Ps. Andrew Gardener .......4

a break in the music

Introduction ........................6What does your day look like? ......................8

prepara-tion forwhat is ahead

propheticprayer

2 3

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to measure orweigh

pause, &think on that

Introduction ...................... 16The Ignatian Examen ..... 17

Introduction ...................... 124 P’s flowchart ................. 13

Image, cover and right: Monarda fistulosa, var. (Crimson Monarda) - Plate 145, 1792. Curtis’s Botanical Magazine, Volume 5. Special Collections, National Agricultural Library.

2/F Auditorium layout .. 28

converse map

4 i n t r o d u c t i o n

We are so glad you are here today. Our prayer is that you and your family will enjoy an intimate and personal time with God in prayer and reflection.

To help get the most out of the Converse experience, we encourage you to read through this booklet and use it as a guide to assist in your connection with God. Inside are key ideas from some of our recent sermons, as well as questions to get you thinking and space to record what God speaks to you. On the back of the booklet, we have included a reference map of the auditorium space with an outline of the location of each station to help you journey through the experience. You will find instructions for the individual activities when you arrive at the stations.

The focus of Converse this year is ‘selah’. The concept of selah is so important in our life and faith, providing rich, life-giving encounters with God, that are often so difficult to put into practice. We trust that as you walk through each prayer station, you will encounter God in a personal and powerful way.

We have designed the prayer space to enable you to journey through the four main meanings of the word selah—a break in the music; to measure or to weigh; pause, and think on that; and preparation for what is ahead. This booklet takes each of these meanings in turn and gives a bit of background to them. We hope this will be a great resource to you in your prayer journey.

Enjoy!

welcome to converse

Introduction by

Ps. Andrew Gardener

5i n t r o d u c t i o n

if you are here with your family, look for

this symbol as you are walking through

the stations—it indicates activities that

are especially family friendly!

please note the following guidelines to help you enjoy this interactive prayer experience.

1. Please turn your mobile device to silent.2. take this time to be still and quiet in God’s presence.3. feel free to worship and pray in your own language or way.4. there is no need to rush or feel you must visit every station.5. Please be sensitive to other worshippers and people praying. 6. children are welcome, and we encourage you to participate

as a family.

May you encounter God afresh today!

1

6 a b r e a k i n t h e M u s i c

musica break in the

The word selah is found 74 times in the Hebrew Bible, 71 times in the Psalms and three times in Habakkuk. Given that most times it is used, it appears in between two different sections in the Psalms, and because the Psalms were poems that were put to music and to song, most scholars believe the word is a musical notation that essentially means ‘a break in the music’, or to take a pause and brief rest in the music.

From this interpretation of the word we can understand the nature and importance of rest as God intended it. The rest that God has planned for us is

not simply doing nothing, but rather creating a space to connect with him. This is the kind of rest that revives our soul.

Many of us don’t like to rest because we feel like we don’t have time, are worried that we’ll miss out on things or feel guilty when we do. However, when we avoid rest, and reduce its importance in our lives, we fall out of sync with God’s established and ordained rhythm for our lives. It is a break in the music but it’s still a part of the music.

Matthew 11:28-30 Genesis 1 and 2

Introduction

7a b r e a k i n t h e M u s i c

What does the rhythm of your life sound like?

8 a b r e a k i n t h e M u s i c

what does your day look like?

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9a b r e a k i n t h e M u s i c

10 a b r e a k i n t h e M u s i c

Do you have a healthy understanding of the importance of rest?

11a b r e a k i n t h e M u s i c

Does your rest allow you to connect with God?

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12 t o M e a s u r e o r w e i G h

weighto measure or

The break in the music of Psalms is placed strategically to allow us to measure or weigh significant ideas written about. Similarly, the break in the music of our lives allows us to evaluate the influences on our lives, to evaluate whether God and our faith is shaping our perspective louder than the culture around us.

When we have an understanding of the way our thinking and beliefs impact our actions, and ultimately our progress, we can see the wisdom in God’s call for us to selah. As our perspective informs our priorities, which in turn impacts our practice and ultimately our progress, it is essential that we

measure or weigh what is shaping our perspective. The enemy is aware of this, and would rather our perspective be shaped by things other than God. His strategy is to keep us busy so that we never get an opportunity to realign our perspective to one that will lead us to life.

If we are not resting, we are intentionally taking ourselves out of the God-created process designed to renew our lives. It is only possible to measure and weigh our perspective in a place of reflection and prayer, inviting God to speak into our lives.

Romans 12:2Psalm 73

Introduction

13t o M e a s u r e o r w e i G h

4 p’s flowchart

14 t o M e a s u r e o r w e i G h

What specific things distract you from connecting with God?

15t o M e a s u r e o r w e i G h

What is shaping your perspective?

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16 P a u s e , a n d t h i n k o n t h a t

think on thatpause, and

As we begin to make space in our lives to align our perspective with that of God, we can feel unsure of how is best to approach this, and it can be easy to fall into patterns of false rest. However, the Bible and Christian history are full of examples of people doing selah well, from Jesus in the garden of Gethsemene to Ignatius’s Prayer of Examen.

As we look at those who have gone before us, we can learn that in order for God to bring a deep transformation to our perspective, we need to

release what’s on our heart honestly and allow the light of God to shine on our circumstances. It is important that we focus on the nature of God and his word if we are to be able to discern what his will is and align ourselves with it.

When we allow God to refine our perspective in this way, we put ourselves in a position where we are prepared for the challenges that we may face as we leave the place of selah.

Matthew 26:36-46Psalm 65:3-6

Introduction

17P a u s e , a n d t h i n k o n t h a t

the ignatian examen

St. Ignatius of Loyola taught people to examine themselves before God. The Examen was a way to seek and find God in all things and to gain the freedom to let God’s will be done on earth.

The Examen traditionally has five steps:

1. Recall you are in the presence of God. No matter where you are, you are a creature in the midst of creation, and the Creator who called you forth is concerned for you.

2. Give thanks to God for favours received. Pause and spend a moment looking at this day’s gifts. Take stock of what you have received and given. Notice these clues that guide living.

3. Ask for awareness of the Holy Spirit’s aid. Before you explore the mystery of the human heart, ask to receive the Holy Spirit so that you can look upon your actions and motives with honesty and patience. The Spirit gives a freedom to look upon yourself without condemnation and without complacency, and thus be open to growth.

4. Now examine how you are living this day. Recalling the events of your day, explore the context of your actions. Review the day, hour by hour, searching for the internal events of your life. Look through the hours to see your interaction with what was before you. Ask what you were involved in and who you were with, and review your hopes and hesitations. What moved you to act the way you did?

5. Pray words of reconciliation and resolve. Having reviewed this day of your life, look upon yourself with compassion and see your need for God, and try to realize God’s manifestations of concern for you. Express sorrow for sin, give thanks for grace, and praise God for the times you’ve responded in ways that allowed you to better see God’s life.

18 P a u s e , a n d t h i n k o n t h a t

How does the environment you’re in impact your understanding of God?

19P a u s e , a n d t h i n k o n t h a t

How does your renewed understanding of God impact your perspective?

20 P a u s e , a n d t h i n k o n t h a t

Does your view of your identity need to be restored?

21P a u s e , a n d t h i n k o n t h a t

Does your view of your circumstances and situations need to be restored?

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22 P r e P a r a t i o n f o r w h a t i s a h e a d

what is aheadpreparation for

As selah is an integral part of the music of our lives, it is natural that what God speaks to us in the place of selah will have an impact on all that we do. As we secure ourselves in God’s word and character, we put ourselves in the best position possible to deal with trials and struggles.

As we experience difficulties, we can use the encouragement and hope that God has given us from our time of selah to help us respond in strength rather than weakness. We can begin to see God’s hope and peace impacting our perception of all of our circumstances.

It is God’s peace, found in the depths of his presence,

that prepares us for the life that is ahead of us. This peace is a theological and personal reality to us—theological because it is found in the understanding of the work of the cross and our salvation, and personal because it is given to us in abundance as we experience the presence of God in our lives.

The less rested you are, the more concerned you will be about your future. Rest doesn’t change your circumstances, but it does change you!

Ephesians 6:15James 3:182 Thessalonians 3:16

Introduction

23P r e P a r a t i o n f o r w h a t i s a h e a d

What has God spoken to you that can anchor you in difficult times?

24 P r e P a r a t i o n f o r w h a t i s a h e a d

suitcase action plan

When you prepare for a journey, you make sure you have packed everything you need.

25P r e P a r a t i o n f o r w h a t i s a h e a d

26 P r e P a r a t i o n f o r w h a t i s a h e a d

How can you maintain the habit of ‘selah’ beyond the month of January?

27P r o P h e t i c P r ay e r

prayerprophetic

(Sunday only) We believe that God loves to speak into our lives today. If you would like to receive prophetic prayer on Sunday, there will be a team of trained men and women praying throughout the day. They will be stationed in front of the stage.

Please feel free to approach one of these members of our prayer team, who would be happy to spend some time with you in prayer.

pause, & think on that

prophetic prayer

4/f upper house

is available as

a space of quiet

reflection

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The Vine Church29 Burrows StreetWan Chai, Hong Kong

t: (852) 3527 6000f: (852) 2865 5381info@thevine.org.hk

www.thevine.org.hk

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