Moments.

I have decided that I am a 'Moments' person, certainly as far a spiritual development is concerned.

Some people can feel close to God through regular prayer and bible meditation. There is a potential downside in that it is possible to be dragged down by the routine or made guilty by getting behind. But most people find that this gives them the right structure to maintain a relationship with God.

I have moments. Usually in worship, it comes in a song, a phrase or scripture. And God breaks through. I cannot predict or manipulate these moments, but they fuel me on for another slog back at the coalface of ministry.

Such a moment happened at councils. Singing "When I survey the wondrous cross" to the tune of O Waley Waley, we got to the final verse:

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

And God broke in. It is not an unduly emotional time but is somehow very profound. God seems to re-assert Himself in me despite what I am - it is an act of grace. It is also a proof of His existence for me, beyond intellectual argument. I have learned the correct way to respond to it too - I need to make an act of surrender and consecration. It is the only way that I can claim to be Sanctified.

I have learned not to demand these moments or force them but to recognise them for what they are - a glimpse into the eternal. Moments to treasure.