Spiritual life
When the commissioners of the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME) met to plan for the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism, they agreed that the conference should be a praying conference. Thus, as prayer becomes the centre of the conference, we rely on the wisdom and grace of the Holy Spirit to direct each day and inspire all participants. In fleshing out this decision, the Spiritual Life Committee (SLC) has prepared prayerful activities to structure the day with God’s guidance and give spaces for reflection and spiritual resourcing.
Schedule and Venues
A. Common Prayers (in the Plenary Hall)
1. Gathering service, Thursday, 8 March, 08:30-10:00
2. Morning prayers, Friday-Saturday, 9-10 March; Monday-Tuesday, 12-13 March, 08:30-09:00. Each morning prayer will be preceded by gathering music, which starts at 08:15
3. Noon prayers, Thursday-Saturday, 8-10 March; Monday-Tuesday, 12-13 March, 12:00-12:30
4. Reflection of the day and evening prayer, Thursday-Saturday, 8-10 March; Monday, 12 March, 17:45-18:15
5. Sending service, Tuesday, 12 March, 17:45
B. Bible Studies (in the Plenary Hall)
Friday-Saturday, 9-10 March; Monday-Tuesday, 12-13 March, 09:00-10:00
Please sit around the table according to the language used in the discussion: English, French and Spanish.
C. Spiritual Exercises
1. Individual prayer time in the prayer tent in the Sokoni area
2. Walking the Stations of the Cross, around the Ngurdoto Lodge compound, especially along Zebra Street
3. Spiritual exercises — group sessions (in the Prayer Tent), 14:00-15:30.
Friday, 9 March: The Jesus Prayer
Developed particularly in the Orthodox tradition, this is a way of repeating a short prayer focusing on the name of Jesus. We pray without ceasing so that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow” (Phil. 2:10).
Saturday, 10 March: Lectio Divina (Divine Lecture)
A way of meditating on scripture, building a delightful intimacy with God, such that we become like trees planted by streams of water (Psalm 1:3).
Monday, 12 March: Centring Prayer
A way of contemplative prayer to develop interior stillness and silence, a prerequisite for hearing God. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10).
Tuesday, 13 March: Ignatian Examen (according to St. Ignatius of Loyola)
A way of asking God to help us reflect on where we have experienced consolation or desolation, helping us develop in gratitude and discernment, so “that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2).
D. Pastoral care/chaplaincy
An international group of participants has agreed to serve as pastoral counsellors/chaplains to the conference. If for any reason you would like to talk with one of them, you can find the pastoral care team in a designated room at the atrium of the Plenary Hall.
Prayer for the Conference
God of life,
we praise you for Christ our Saviour and the gift of your Holy Spirit.
We thank you for the voice of Jesus calling us to follow him.
We offer to you the 2018 World Mission Conference meeting in Arusha, Tanzania.
We pray for your blessing on those who prepare the conference,
those who will attend, and on all your people.
May we so move in your Holy Spirit that we will be transformed disciples transforming our world.
All for your glory, through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Bible Study 1, "Following Jesus: Becoming Disciples"
Bible Study 2, "Transforming the World, according to Jesus’ Vision of the Kingdom"
Bible Study 3, "Transforming the World: Equipping Disciples"