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Words from John Wesley

[On the character of a Methodist] his one desire is the design of his life, namely to do not his own will, but the will of him that sent him. His one intention at all times and in all places is not to please himself but the one who his soul loves.

From A Plain Account of Christian Perfection 1766

Words from Scripture

“Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Hebrews 13:20-21

Hymn

God, beyond our dreams, Singing the Faith 496

As we begin

To consider alone

  • What desires are at work in you at the beginning of this meeting?
  • In a moment of quiet, can you catch some sense of God’s desires for how this meeting proceeds?

To consider together

  • In groups of two or three, take time to pray that this decision will “not do [our] own will” but the will of God.
  • Become aware of the presence of “the one who [my] soul loves”, asking that God will communicate God’s will as this meeting progresses.

As we continue

To consider alone

  • Since the meeting began, where have you noticed the greatest sense of God’s presence, or a sense of hope, energy or peace?
  • What does this tell you about how God is at work here?

To consider together

  • In groups of two or three, share something of where you have noticed God since the meeting began. How does this inform the decisions to be made?

As we finish

To consider alone

  • How has the “one who [your] soul loves” been pleased with you in this meeting? Can you notice how God is with you now, as the meeting ends?

To consider together

  • How has this meeting contributed towards making “you complete in everything good so that you may do his will”?
  • How has this meeting contributed towards realising the will of God in this church and this community?