24/7 prayer in Gloucester...shire?

I walked around the city this morning, meandering my way through the little streets. round the cathedral, circling the docks. the low and sparkling sunshine danced across the water, warming my face and battling against the crisp fresh air chilling my nose. i took my time. as I walked i tried to pray; just as the sun had burnt off the mist covering the city like a blanket early in the morning, i was praying that God shine his light and would clear my head, bringing clarity and a crisp vision. I tried to surrender to him my thoughts, ideas, many as they are. Especially after yesterday afternoon...

Thankfully, my memory isn't as bad as it could be. Although driving along the winding country lanes as I left the city, I made a few fortunate guesses to bring me in good time to Bishop John's house.

The gathering brought together many of the paid youth workers in the Diocese of Gloucester. Just less than 20 people were there, and I'd been invited to go along and say a little something of 24/7. Strangely, the national youth advisor to Archbishops Council was there too. wow. everyone seemed chilled. but, this was a big deal. he spoke a little about what was happening nationally, then Ben Lillie spoke about 'the rock' - an awesome project in cheltenham that deserves its own post sometime, then it was me.

I spoke about what we've been up to - prayer, community, the weekly prayer café and prayer in schools. I finished thinking that I rambled on too long, and because I'd probably made a mess of it, I asked if anyone wanted to ask questions...and the response was immense! everyone seemed wowed by it all, really encouraging stuff, and I left with a couple of schools to add to my list for prayer weeks, plus some other interesting (big) possibilities and opportunities that could spread what we're doing to other parts of the county - maybe all over it. I'm slightly in a daze. Hence my walk this morning.

But watching the mist disappear gave me hope. God will make his way clear. Good ideas are good, but they are a poison if they don't match what God is doing.

Have your way God. Have your way. Amen.