When? Sunday preceding 24 May (traditionally known as 'Wesley Day')
It’s not surprising that John Wesley’s Aldersgate experience happened close to Pentecost
After Jesus died and came back to life, he promised his followers that they would receive the Holy Spirit to guide and inspire them. Pentecost is the day when this happened (you can read about it in Acts 2). Many people and churches use it as an opportunity to ask God’s Holy Spirit to fill them afresh, and to become more aware of God’s presence in their lives.
Wesley Day on 24 May (and Aldersgate Sunday on the preceding Sunday) marks one of Methodism founder John Wesley’s own transformative experiences, as he felt God's love in a most personal and life-giving way during a meeting with other Christians. Wesley described the experience as his heart feeling "strangely warmed” and afterwards his relationship with God became more real and heartfelt. His brother, hymn writer Charles Wesley, had a similar experience on Pentecost three days before. He experienced "a strange palpitation of heart" which caused him to exclaim, "I believe, I believe!"
What does this mean for us today?
A Methodist Way of Life encourages us to develop 12 practices which help us encounter God. One of the practices is to notice God in Scripture and the world. On that Wednesday evening, Wesley met God in a new way as he listened to someone reading from a book about the biblical book of Romans.
God is there, ready and willing to meet you. It won’t be exactly the same as the Wesleys’ experiences, as God meets each of us differently, but who knows? You might have a feeling of God’s presence and love like the Wesleys. You might see or hear something unbelievable, like the disciples in Acts 2. Or you might hear a call to plant a new faith community that will help other people have these kinds of encounters too.
Listen and reflect
In the lyrics to the song ‘Those Magic Changes’ from the film musical Grease, the singer describes hearing an unknown but strangely familiar song. The singer starts to sway, reminded of the night he first fell in love. Doesn’t his experience of feeling “a thrill right through me” in response to “a melody that’s never the same” sound a little like Wesley’s experience?
Reflect, either in your own devotions, by journaling, or in community discussion during a service, or small group – How is God kick-starting your life today? Which of the 12 Methodist Way of Life commitments causes your heart to ‘skip a beat’?
Pray
Consider saying this prayer. Alternatively, spend some time in quiet, inviting God to meet with you. Sit or lie down and close your eyes. Use a word or short phrase like “Jesus” or “Hear my prayer” to keep your attention returning to God.
Look, I am making all things new.
Revive us, Lord, in all we do.
Reach into our hearts,
through Spirit, wind and flame.
Renew us, Lord, in word and deed.
In us build a new creation.
May our hearts be strangely warmed,
that we might grow and change together.
We pray your spirit come,
that it might be on earth as in heaven;
that we might be bold to speak and pray,
that your church might grow again.
Father, revive your church.
Help us share your love with others.
Enable us to teach your word.
May we be alive to you.
Help us be alert to each other’s needs;
disciplined in prayer and deed.
Build in us a vision for your kingdom,
received in grace, peace and wisdom.
Amen.
Rosie Bryant