“…There I Am in the Midst of Them.”

Peace be with you Dear Reader!

I want to tell you about something that has made a a real impact on my spiritual life, and that is small groups, usually called “Bible Studies” or “Prayer Groups”. I’ve always enjoyed small groups as I’m much more comfortable in them versus large groups of people. One of the reasons I chose my first career as a EMT/Paramedic was because I preferred the setting of a single partner over the setting of a firehouse with a lot of people around me all the time.

I guess I’ve always been a little bit more of an introvert, always on the thoughtful side but I can occasionally “get jiggy with it” and be an extrovert (I know I’m a 90’s kid). It just depends on my mood! I will say though, that I’ve always had a serious side to my personality. I think anyone who knows me would agree with that statement.

Over the years I have managed to find comfort in numerous small groups and Bible studies. It has always been nice for me to get to know people on a more personal level, their likes, dislikes, personal struggles and so forth. Well I’ve now been a part of at  least a dozen different Bible study and prayer groups but none of them compare to the guys I meet with now. Now, please don’t misunderstand me… I have never had a bad experience with Bible studies that I’ve been a part of, but my current group is definitely special.

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20

Every week we have to share three ways (in the areas of Piety, Study and Action) in which we have tried to improve ourselves in our relationships with God. We meet for breakfast once a week at a restaurant in town and depending on who shows up we might have anywhere from 3 to 12 people. The coffee is decent and the food is excellent, but the really great part of this whole meeting has to do with the people I’m with…

We are a group of dedicated Catholic men who have formed a strong bond with the goal of not only being a support system for each other, but we also form an accountability system when it comes to our spiritual growth and I’d even go so far as to say a “praise team” when one of us shares a spiritual victory!

When I went to my first meeting I didn’t have any idea of what to expect, but starting on that first day, they took me in without blinking an eye and really made me feel like a part of the group. The BEST part though, is when we go around the table sharing our spiritual lives with each other… Having their undivided attention when I’m talking and seeing that they truly care about what I have to say… THAT has been SO amazing…

Whenever anyone in our group has something to say or share, it seems like all eyes are on that person, taking in what that person has to say. It is so powerful to be a part of a group of people who genuinely care about every group member’s walk with Christ and it’s not about just one person getting up and talking for the entire time. It has been so special to be a part of this amazing group of people and I’ll tell ya… Most people dread Mondays, but me?! I can’t wait for them!

Okay, so I know that I already mentioned a “really great part” of meeting with this group and a “BEST” part of meeting with this group… Buuuut…. The really great AND BEST parts are that when we’re done talking and sharing, in the middle of a restaurant full of people, we bow our heads and pray out loud… There have been a couple of times when we’ve done this that I’ve been listening and heard the restaurant pretty much go silent… It’s such a powerful witness and praise be to God that we live in a place where we are able to do it!

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:14-16

You may be asking yourself, dear reader, “what is the point of sharing this?”. Well, let me just give a word of encouragement to anyone reading this who wants to develop and grow in their spiritual lives… Being a part of small groups that meet in the spirit of Fellowship centered around Jesus Christ can be sooo beneficial and such an awesome experience… I know it has been for me.

I would encourage you to find a group that meets in public (especially if it’s a Bible Study or prayer group) so that you can allow God to use your actions and words of prayer in public as a witness to spread His word… To have the support of a close group of people who can and are willing to provide you with spiritual support, accountability and celebrating God’s victories in your life is essential to leading the life that we as Christians are called to lead.

Until next time dear reader…

Your Servant In Christ,

William