I wrote a reflection last month on how some people misperceive Christians; for example, fellow footie fans worry about their language in front of me, but don’t expect me to talk about my faith with them.
Well, not long after I wrote those words, an ideal opportunity presented itself. There is a leisure centre next door to Plymouth Argyle’s stadium. Some fans meet up there rather than in a local hostelry. We chat as we walk past or stand in the coffee queue. There is a loose group of six men, who refer to me and my magistrate husband as the bishop and the judge.
It was the last home match of the season; if Plymouth Argyle won, they would gain promotion to the Championship (the second tier of soccer in England, in case you do not know). The lads were not in the café, but it was a warm day and they were grouped outside.
“Have you prayed for a win?” I was asked. There were four of them, all younger and fitter than me, but after a pause I decided truth will out.
“No.” I stated baldly.
“What?” they chorused.
“You are of the generation where you learned the Lord’s Prayer at school. Let me remind you of the words: Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy will be done… If we mean the words we pray, then Argyle won’t win just because I have asked God to make it happen.”
There were still some puzzled looks.
“Why do you pray then?” I was asked.
Again I paused, but one of the men said: “I pray every night”. He pulled a crucifix out from under his replica strip.
I explained that prayer is communication, an important factor in any relationship.
“Which denomination are you?”
“Congregationalist.”
“Never heard of it.”
“You have,” I explained, “remember the Mayflower?” (Which left from Plymouth back in 1620.) “They were seeking to worship God in a different way and felt that only in a new country would that be tolerated.”
Now, none of this could be called evangelising but it was creating and deepening a human relationship, hopefully a springboard from which the Good News could be communicated. These men, even the one who professed a faith, are unchurched and the concept of an allegiance to an unseen person is as alien to them as an allegiance to Exeter City would be!
Father, prompt us to take every opportunity to talk about our faith, in a way that means something to those around us.
Jesus, you instructed your first disciples not to hide their lights under bushel baskets; show us the occasions when your light would be well received.
Holy Spirit, Wisdom of our Lord, guide us always that we do not become stumbling blocks to those who are beginning to turn to you. Remind us to seek your perfect Kairos. Amen.
Elaine Kinchin
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