(This is a mini update to tide you all over until fuller transcriptions are available later today. I'm also working hard to get more participants onto the blog. This should be a lot easier when we have reliable internet access!)
The morning worship session included a gently-spoken but very rich introduction to the theme of prophecy from Doreen O'Dowd of Ireland YM. Doreen looked at many examples of Biblical prophets, summarising some of the main qualities the prophets shared, and encouraged us to feel that we too can fulfill a prophetic role.
Following Doreen's introduction, Martine Kuipers of Netherlands YM ministered about the power of starting with small things, such as Quaker work with prisoners in Northern Ireland, which began with something as simple as a up of tea, and grew into a powerful ministry to the community.
Marion Mcnaughton of Britain YM then took up the theme, taking a long look back at the roots of prophecy, stretching back to Hebrew times. She said "to understand prophecy, we must understand where we come from".
Marion offered many insights on prophecy, including a wonderfully compact definition "a spontaneous human response to a transforming encounter with God through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit".
Marion also spoke strongly in favour of inspirational, encouraging prophecy, giving the example of Jeremiah who prophesied unsuccessfully for 23 years. She feels that prophecy should energise, inspire and encourage.
A thought from Marion which really struck home with me was her quote from Jean LeClerc, who advised that "we must love the age we live in. God has given it to us, and we must give it back to him".
I feel that this thought flies in the face of the stereotype of prophecy as 'doomsaying'. For an optimist like me, that's a very helpful thought!
After Marion's introduction, we had a half hour full of deep ministry on prophecy. I don't know if it's because of the stage we're at in the gathering, but there seems to be soul food coming out left right and centre.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Sounds like a good start. Even your short report gives plenty that's worthwhile to reflect on. Glad to be able to keep in touch with the Triennial in this way. Thank you for running the blog site. Hope the event means as much to those participating as the one in New Zealand did to me. Best wishes.
Post a Comment