We are created, called, and challenged to be in relationship with...
God
Being in relationship with God is both easy and challenging. God is easily accessible, in the bonds of friendship and camaraderie we find with one another, in the learning, support, and understanding we experience through community, in all of creation, and in worship, prayer, and scripture.
God can also be difficult to recognize, understand, and follow. We tend to be more focused inwards than outwards, filled with concerns for our own well-being, letting our anxieties and fears get in the way of the rest and assurance God offers. It is therefore not surprising one of God’s most frequent commands to us in scripture is, “Do not fear!”
"Worship stands at the center of our life of faith"
Participating in communal worship on a regular basis helps put our fears behind us, recognize God’s presence in our lives today, and embrace the rest and assurance God offers. As the elca.org website states, “Worship stands at the center of our life of faith. Through God’s word, water, bread and prayer we are nurtured in faith and sent out into the world.” Every relationship requires communication.
One way we receive God’s word is by pondering Scripture, both on our own and together in bible studies and bible explorations where we seek, explore and experiment with what it means to be a disciple. Another way we both receive God’s word and speak with God about our own concerns is through prayer. While five different people at Northlake may explain five different methods they use for prayer, we recognize the importance of finding some way to speak to and hear from God. While there are many ways to build our relationship with God, we embrace worship, prayer, and scripture as foundational, formational and life-giving.