While Darren is on sabbatical, we're in a series called Voices - exploring the different voices around us (call them wisdom, if you want) that might act as guides on the pilgrimage to the heart of Christ. 

Each week, the speaker will act as the guide to exploring a different voice of their choosing. The guest speakers invited are some of the voices we want people to hear.  

TEXT

2 Chronicles 5:11-14

Mark 7:31-37

TAKEAWAYS

• Be mindful this week about when you feel the need to interrupt or interject in a conversation. Ask, "Why?"

• Change one routine this week.

• At least three times this week, set a timer for 4’33”.

  Sit in silence, with the word Ephphatha in your mind. See what the Spirit might reveal to you.

• Consider reading these books:

  Reaching Out

  by Henri Nouwen

   

  Interrupting Silence

  by Walter Brueggemann

   

  Just Mercy

  by Brian Stevenson

 

BENEDICTION

Be Opened by Malcolm Guite

Be opened. Oh if only we might be!

Speak to a heart that’s closed in on itself:

‘Be opened and the truth will set you free’,

Speak to a world imprisoned in its wealth:

‘Be opened! Learn to learn from poverty’,

Speak to a church that closes and excludes,

And makes rejection its own litany:

‘Be opened, opened to the multitudes

For whom I died but whom you have dismissed

Be opened, opened, opened,’ how you sigh

And still we do not hear you. We have missed

Both cry and crisis, we make no reply.

Take us aside, for we are deaf and dumb

Spit on us Lord and touch each tongue-tied tongue.