Step off the pages, Lord

We've been studying Mark's gospel in our church for the past few weeks. It seems to me that Mark in particular emphasises the power of God that was at work in Jesus. He's writing, of course, from Rome the centre of political and military power at the time, and maybe his thought is to demonstrate that Jesus is 'another king' (Acts 17:7)whose power is far superior to that of any earthly emperor. Certainly his gospel story is full of healings, deliverances and miraculous events that amaze the whole population.

I've really enjoyed our studies, and preaching occasionally myself, but I've done so with a growing sense of frustration that we see so little of that power at work in our lives today. It's true we do see glimpses, and enough to make us believe it is true; but never quite enough to make us say 'WOW!' and stand back in utter amazement. The little we do see actually increases my frustration because I know that God is capable of far more.

Perhaps my sciatica, which has hindered and annoyed me since Easter, illustrates this frustration. I know that God can heal me, and I have prayed continually for his intervention, and so have others. I want to be able to give testimony to his power at work in my life, but so far, nothing. It isn't as if I am asking for something truly great. No, just an ordinary miracle, which even my faith can strecth to, and is well within the level of expectation created in me by reading Mark's gospel.

So I'm conscious of a 'disconnection' between what I'm preaching (all Biblical and accurate), what we sing in our worship (all inspiring and true), and what we believe as a church (evangelical and charismatic). And some words keep rising up in my heart as a kind of prayer whenever I'm holding Mark's gospel in my hands - 'Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us.' I long for the word to be made flesh today, in me, in our little congregation, so that the world can see that Jesus is alive, that he hasn't changed, that he is still at work today.

Since I've been in a poetic frame of mind for the last few weeks I've turned those words into a prayer poem, and share them with you now. And when God does heal my leg (come on, God!), I'll be sure to let you. And maybe write another prayer.

Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
Be not confined a moment more
In history’s remembered past
Nor even in the sacred folds
Of Holy Writ, however blessed.

Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
Be not restrained a moment more
Within our doctrine safe and sound
Nor even in our cherished ways
Of churchmanship, however pure.

Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
Be not held back a moment more
Within our teaching clear and true
Nor even in our finest songs
Of worship free, however loud.

Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
As living Lord and risen Son
Who’s with us now and working still
To save, to heal, to liberate
And glorify your Name before
A hurting world that needs your touch.