In response to a number of requests, we are publishing the lists and cycles of stimuli that fuel our daily rhythm of outward-focused prayer and worship at the Sanctuary’s centre. You can download them, and an explanation of how we use them flexibly to build each day’s focus for praise and intercession here from our new and topical resources page.
One of the Sanctuary’s friends once said to us, ‘prayer is the best kept secret in the church’.
We identify with that here… far from being restrictive, we have found the order that comes from dismantling life as it was and rebuilding it round a daily rhythm of prayer and worship has brought us huge freedom.
It fuels and charges the whole day with focus, learning and strength – leading to greater productivity as well as a greater sense that everything that happens in between (however mundane) is offered in worship too.
Far from being depressing or taking us into contemplation and away from action, we have also found that intentional outward-focused intercession leads us deeper into intimacy with God and increases our heart, capacity and effectiveness to reach out to others.
Far from being isolationist, we have found deep and authentic community being built amongst us.
This is the joy of the rhythm – of discovering an ancient discipline which pulses with life and relevance in the midst of – and often in contrast to – our culture.
Jeremiah 6:16 says, ‘Stand at the crossroads and look: ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’
This is why re-opening the Sanctuary after our summer break has felt more like breathing out and coming home than a ‘return to work’.
Here is true rest for our souls – back in the anchoring rhythms of worship, prayer, community, creativity, service and sacrifice.
It was good and right to take a break, but it underlined what we suspected all along – that there is more rest in his rhythm than in our ‘holidays’.
We’d encourage you to think about forming your own rhythm – and if any of our lists and cycles help you, please use them as we all continue to pursue Christ and his kingdom – internally and externally.