Beginning Again!

BEGINNING AGAIN

Beloved of the Lord, it has been awhile since I’ve had the opportunity to share with you on a regular basis. I had to take a hiatus from our digital ministry to focus all of my attention on hosting the 49^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Approximately 30,000 people came for ten days of worship, work and witness including our First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Michelle Obama! She gave a powerful speech to thunderous applause. Her words motivated and inspired the attendees.

Prior to the opening of the General Conference, we were also packing up our home and office in preparation of being assigned to a new Episcopal district. In our tradition, a bishop can only serve in a region for up to 8 years.

Supervisor Stan and I have been assigned to the 10^th Episcopal District, the great state of Texas and the home of Paul Quinn College. Our hands have been full in transitioning into Dallas, Texas. That is code for unpacking the boxes we just pack up in Tennessee. We have moved all our worldly goods into our new home and office prior to our first state conference, August 1-4 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Addison Texas, and the Super Summer Convocation.

Since 2009, close to 300,000 people have heard, read and watched messages on this site www.thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com and prayed with us on the Praycation blog at www.vashtimckenzie.blogspot.com. We are compelled to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ and join in life changing and life creating prayer. Like David in Psalm 63:1, we desire to seek the Lord early, and like Jesus in Mark 1:35, we should to go to a place apart and pray. Prayer is essential to a life of faith just as oxygen is essential to breathing.

Thus, I’m back! Look for weekly audio and written devotions again on the wake up call site. Praycation, our summer journey into the heart of God begins on August 1, 2012. Make the commitment to engage in radical prayer in these radical times for a radical response.

It is not about turning God into a vending machine that spews out instant answers, prizes and surprises. Praycation is about drawing closer to the heartbeat of God, to begin to hear God’s voice, to desire the things God desires, to love the things God loves, to do the things God want us to do by developing the discipline of prayer that brings us into the deep levels of faith and do the highest service for God.

Pray with me now as we prepare to begin this 31-day journey. Texas, join the thousands that have prayed over the past few years. And to our friends around the world, join the journey for the first time, or again, and invite others to join with you. Just click on the subscribe icon on each site for messages and the Praycation discipline of prayer. It’s free!

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie

Episcopal Servant, 10^th Episcopal District AME Church

Shut Door Prayers

"Whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door."

Matthew 6: 6

Merciful God, we have shut the door against the intrusions of the day. We who are weary from the challenges and changes of this uncertain season seek rest in your eternal chanagelessness. You are the same yesterday, today and forever more.

Speak now a word that dispels the clouds of doubt and fear. Speak a word that will sustain us in the mundane or monumental moments ahead. Speak a word that will strengthen our hands for the work before us, our hearts for any burdens to bare and renew our minds to make decisions that honor you.

In this shut door prayer, whisper your instructions so that we may emerge to do your will. In Jesus Name, Amen.

VMM

Beloved of God, Praycation: Life Creating Life Changing Prayer begins tomorrow August 1, 2012. For 31 days join us for the challenge to be in God's face for 31 days  seeking life changing revelations! Take a break from the ordinary and join the journey. You can do it whether you are on vacation, still on the job, praying for the one you have or the one you want! Just let me know in the comment section and be sure to invite others to join you!