Have you ever experienced how, when you think the last word’s been said on something, God has more to say, and to do for you? Sven wrote in one of his articles how, for Formers, regrets are bound to re-surface from time to time, for some more than others, and I’m one of the “some!”I was thinking about this, among other things, when we went to Congress in Birmingham recently. We met or saw some fourteen or so of our Session, and spoke to quite a few of them, which was lovely. We haven’t been gathered so many of us in one place since our 25 year Reunion a few years ago.
Congress itself was a time of great blessing too. One part of the Appeal on Sunday morning was “Who are those hurting people ……” with reference to things of our past. Although I’ve many times preached on not caring what other people think, I don’t want to be known as the one who always goes to the Mercy Seat at Congress, and we all know that if you wait long enough, the Appeal moves on to more general things, or things that don’t apply to you. Also, at Congress, well-meaning people have a habit of following you if you go to the Mercy Seat, never thinking that you might just want/need to be on your own. Have you ever noticed too how an Officer always rushes to you at the Mercy Seat at Congress, and wants to know your name, and you can’t be anonymous because they can read the Corps name tags on your epaulettes?
This weekend, I received the book “They Gave Their Lives”,
recently published by IHQ. One of our Session features in there, as having been killed on the mission field because he stood up for what was right. I was interested to see that, as Cadets, he initially heard the Call of God to Missionary Service, but his wife –(girlfriend at that time) initially didn’t. Like me, he didn’t share that Calling with his “partner”, because he didn’t want to act on a calling which she didn’t share – again, a parallel to my own situation. We knew them all these years, and I remember that Meeting where the call was given for Missionary service, and I never knew that. How well do we REALLY KNOW each other – our relative, friends, workmates, I wonder?(part one)
Former
UKT
9 comments:
Perhaps we need to have some signs sitting at the edge of the mercy seat that would say "needing to be alone" or "someone please come pray with me' - that would definitely help with some potentially awkward moments. Thanks for the reminder to be sensitive to what another might need.
what a great idea. There also needs to be one that says "not sure, ask please."
There is no question but that every person who approaches the Mercy Seat has a very private and real need motivating their going forward. And each of us know well the three-fold anxiety; I need Jesus ! What are people thinking ? Who will approach me to pray/counsel me ?
I have no ready answer in how to make the Mercy Seat visit less daunting but can share a few personal thoughts and observations.
1. I ‘d like to propose that the Mercy Seat be “roped off” until some 10 minutes prior to the Meeting’s commencement. Preliminary music is played and the rope is then removed in a solemn fashion and the officers enter the hall and kneel. On rising to his/her feet the officer extends an invitation for others come if they wish… those wishing to pray alone would find the solitude they desire at that time. (This practice can be highlighted briefly in the printed program as well in order that visitors understand the practice)
2. The use of the Holiness Table could be mentioned each time an invitation is given; “for those who wish to pray alone, please find a place at the Holiness Table”.
3. I “specialled” in a remote area of Canada some 10 years ago. The female spouse officer had served with me in Russia, and it appears our ‘Mercy Seat practice’ in Moscow was one they preferred as well. When the invitation was given in Russia, typically 40-60 persons came forward. We didn’t have a Penitent Form per se. A few knelt but most remained standing. A prayer was read/recited and then all were escorted to various rooms for counseling and prayer: Salvation, SA soldiership/recruit class sign ups, personal or family concern, and seeking holiness. Prayer with the individuals was followed by instructions typically lasting 30 minutes or more.
4. A record is, of course, kept of all who ‘come forward’, and the CO or other local officer should contact those persons who prayed alone to assure them of supportive prayer while also making themselves available for a visit if need be.
I’m certain many can add much from their experience.
Dear Writer, thank you for your thought provoking article. I look forward to part two. One of the things I love about this blog is the sharing of our differing experiences, how it helps broaden our horizons and makes us think at least.
Having received some teaching on mercy seat counselling prior to Training College days I recall being taught to always ask someone if they would like me to pray with them or would they prefer to be alone. This is a practice I have always followed and have to admit, whenever I have knelt at the mercy seat I don't ever recall not having been asked such a question. I do however remember times when I was disappointed that for me, the wrong person had come. However, on one such occassion when I felt the need for someone to pray with me I did ask the person who came to ask somebody else to come to me and I named that person. My request was treated with respect.
Sven, I like some of your thoughts about the use of the mercy seat and some of the dignity and solemnity this would help bring about. However, I hesitate at your thought of roping it off and removing the rope at an appropriate time before a meeting. I like the idea of the Officers kneeling there to pray before a meeting and the invitation for others to do likewise. What concerns me would be the lack of use during the week when people come into our halls alone. There have been a number of times when I have walked into what I expected to be an empty hall only to find someone kneeling at the mercy seat. I know the rope could be removed then by individuals but I would be concerned that it could make our mercy seats out of bounds.
Now, returning to the writers thoughts and the question how well do we really know each other. I wonder if the answer is tied up in a statement I think John Powell wrote in his book, 'Why am I afraid to love'? 'I am afraid to tell you who I really am because if I do you may not like me and it is all I have to offer.' I think sometimes we keep much of our true selves to ourselves because of pride and fear. I would be interested to know what others think.
Anonymous, thank you for your comments re 'roping off' the Mercy Seat. Kindly allow me to take the thought a few steps further...
First of all I see the rope as a tasseled cord perhaps in a dark maroon in two sections meeting at each side of the holiness table. We have all seen children climbing on the mercy seat or soldiers stepping on and reaching across the vanity curtain to hand someone an item or piece of music, or seeing instruments or bags placed on it momentarily.
In only be a matter of a few weeks soldiers and visitors alike would come to recognize the significance of that sacred place and children too would learn to respect it for what it is if it was 'roped off'. During the week one of the cords could be removed an the other left in place as a reminder of the respect due the mercy seat. This would still allow persons the opportunity to kneel and pray.
Finally, a very simple way to remind folk about the solemnity and sacredness of the mercy seat is to place a Bible every three to four feet and leave them there permanently.
Sven, Thank you for your further thoughts on my comment. I appreciate you sharing. I seem to think this is the way things were done before my time in TSA.
God bless you and your sincere heart!
suffer the little children climbing on the mercy seat. :-)
Jeff, we can rope up the little angels and tie them up in the sound proofed nursery! lol
Whatever happened to 'Safe and Sound'???!!! tut tut tut Sven Ljugholm ... lol ... you will have to do a training course ...
Your CO ...
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