Chris' prayer: Matthew West's "Next Thing You Know"

Next thing you know

Simply put, this cliché is used to describe a sudden change in direction. That is how West describes his spiritual story. One minute, he is innocently watching a televangelist on the TV, and the next, he has dedicated his life to following Christ. I sometimes wish that I had a conversion story that powerful. My spiritual journey has been more about plenty of small steps rather than the one dramatic leap spoke of in the first verse of the song. I grew up Catholic and always knew that it was somehow right for me. It was merely a matter of finding how to take ownership of that faith and make it my own that makes up the bulk of my place in the history of grace.

My spiritual journey might not have that 180° turnaround, or the storybook eye-opening moment, but the power that God can have in my life when I'm able to turn it over to Him is still present. His ability to work through me is no less dominant than if I had a story like West describes. My experience, my spiritual journey, can still be as important, and still be as exciting. The power is not in the sudden change itself. It is in the One who is all powerful.


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Marie's Prayer: Matthew West's "The Next Thing You Know"

Well, I wish I could say
I always stayed right there

I wish I could Always stay right there. Picture it, the best Day of your faith life. Now Picture everyday with you at that same place. Sounds nice doesn't it? It does To me. If I was as Enthused about God as I could be everyday, It would be amazing! But we stray, it's human nature, but What I also know is that it's Human nature to Want to be right there, as close to God as possible. So I strive for that, I strive to be right there At the height of My spirituality at all Times.

Catie's prayer: Matthew West's "Next Thing You Know"

So, what's your story about his glory?
You gotta find your place in the history of grace
Yeah, what's your story about his glory?
Come on and find your place

At the beginning of the school year in bible study we were talking about how we are going to be saints. We had listened to this song that had the line "and when the saints go marching in, I want to be one of them" and I think that's so true. That's where mot of us want to eventually be. My bible study leader had gone on to say how the song went on to say that we're going to be there with Mother Teresa and JP II and everyone else sharing our stories and when it gets to us, what are we going to say? The above part of today's song reminded me of that. What's your story about his glory? So many times I forget that we are to give God the glory. We all have our place in this life, we all have a role to play, each of us can make a difference. However it is up to each of us to play the role that God intended for us.

Megan's prayer: Matthew West's "Next Thing You Know"

Everybody's got their own thirteen

In my own life, I think I have had a few “thirteens” – a few times where I have discovered, or rediscovered, my faith. One of these was the first time I attended a lifenight. I only knew a few people there, but everyone was so welcoming. Although I was surrounded by strangers, I felt loved. I felt God’s presence in the room, and inside me. After that night, I knew that I wouldn’t be leaving lifeteen anytime soon. Four years later, I’m still an active part of the group, although I have taken a different role in the program.

I pray that as we continue this semester, we have successful nights. I pray that the Core team will continue to be successful in sharing their faith and instilling the love of God in the teens. Maybe one of nights will become some teen’s “thirteen.”