[14] Hidden Treasures of Southampton

As we embark on the next stage of the journey of discernment we noted that we are hoping to launch in January 2019, which means we need to keep meeting each week until then.

Richard and Kathy are looking to choose 2 or 3 of the group to help them in leading through the discernment phase.  They shared their difficulties with this and the group was very supportive and prayed for them. Hope to have more news next week!

We heard from another two of the group about their spiritual rhythms, which was again, a privilege and inspiration. We are all different, but going in the same direction.

Southampton - the place

Now we are moving on to think about what Southampton is like. We need to get an idea of Southampton as a place - what is it like, how has God made it, what is His heart for it. We need to do this to understand more about where the House of Prayer fits in.

First we all thought for a few moments about how we see Southampton - what are its characteristics and what makes it unique. Next week we will collate our thoughts on a flip chart together.

In a couple of week's time we are going on a guided tour of the old city with Dave Adcock, who will give us more insights into significant historical events for the city.

Hidden treasures - what are they for?

Then we turned our attention to the idea of hidden treasures that Sarah shared with us recently. 

I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isaiah 45:3)

We believe that 'riches stored in secret places' are treasures God will help us find on our pilgrimage. They will draw us to Him and they will reveal something of His heart for Southampton and how He wants us to respond in prayer. 

So when we see the hidden treasure, we must ask God, what are you saying to us, why have you shown us this?

Looking at the example of the Hope Bell, we so far understand that God is saying to us:

• curfew bell calls people into the safety of the city - pray out a call to safety for the city

• a bell is meant to be heard - our prayers will have an effect

• a bell is clear - our prayers need to be simple and clear

• a watch bell marks the time - in prayer we are declaring the significance of the times we are in

• the inscription 'GOD IS MY HOPE' - is a personal declaration for us all, and also Southampton's hope is God.

• the bell was rung at times of opposition or danger - we need to know what to do if we encounter opposition/distraction.

The other example we have so far is the Itchen Bridge. We went on a prayer walk there, to listen to Holy Spirit and several of the group felt that He was saying it is 'Hope Bridge'. We need to ask God what to do with that.

There is something else important about these hidden treasures. As we turn our attention to what Southampton is like and what is going on in the city we can easily see the problems caused by people, the world and the devil. In the face of such problems it is easy to slip into problem-solving mode, rather than focus on where God is already at work. 

Hidden? And finally, we noted that the bell wasn't actually hidden, just unnoticed. What are we not seeing?

Activities - more hidden treasures?

We gave some time to listen to God about what other hidden treasures within Southampton He wants to reveal. 

We shared our initial thoughts in groups and then put them up on a flip chart.

Next we prayed about why the Lord had shown us them. 

This is what we got so far:

Dealing with distractions/standing our ground

Finally as we thought about our rhythm of prayer this week, we noted that we may encounter distractions and difficulties on our journey. Everything is contested on the earth.

We encouraged each other be strong in the Lord, taking up all the resources he gives us and to stand our ground as it says in Ephesians 6:10-18. 

We read this passage together verse by verse and recommended taking time during the week to engage with it more in our prayers.