GIVING BIRTH

PRAYER MOMENT

Tuesday, 29 October 2013

GIVING BIRTH

Pause.  Enter within and be still in the presence of God.

Reading. “From the beginning till now the entire creation, as we know, has been groaning in one great act of giving birth” (Romans 8:18-25)

Reflection. Giving birth is normally a great moment of joy and wonder in a family. Here is this child, an entirely new creation, entering the world. “What will this child turn out to be?” (Luke 1:66). Paul, as he warms to his theme of the new creation brought by the Spirit, gives an astonishing picture of “the entire creation” groaning in giving birth. He is searching for images to describe the transformation of creation as it moves towards the fulfilment of the “mystery of his purpose” (Eph 1:9). In other words, what we are doing each day - our choices, our actions – is part of the great thrust and yearning of creation to come to its full maturity, We are far from there yet (and talk of the end of the world any day soon has to be nonsense). We have much to do but let’s rejoice in the great progress that has been made. We may say the glass is half empty but if it is it means it is also half full.    

Prayer. Lord Jesus, we rejoice in the great work you have enabled us to do though your Spirit over the centuries. Help us always to stretch out to reach the goal for us individually and together as your people. Amen.