Surrender 1

It was good to be back in the prison. About 20 inmates came to the Yokefellow session. We prayed together then we sang together. Our focus was the topic of Surrender (or submission).

We read Psalm 81, each person reading a verse or two. We talked about the wonder of God, and the use of the phrase "the God of Jacob". How assuring that God would reference Jacob, the heel catcher, the deceiver, instead of simply saying "the God of Israel", which makes us think of the prince that has power with God. We can relate much easier to Jacob, can't we?

We visited Matthew 21:28-32 - the two sons, which happens to be bible reading for the upcoming Sunday. What we say is less important that what we actually do.

Then we discussed Submission. What does it mean to submit to God? Who or what has submitted to you?

How does a person submit to God? We shared ideas. The best idea I have for this is to practice the common christian disciplines of daily prayer, daily bible reading, weekly worship, regular giving, service and so on.

I asked the inmates to close their eyes and answer some questions if they felt comfortable. I asked how many of them were baptized. Then I asked if anyone who wasn't baptized would like to be baptized. Around 6 to 8 inmates indicated they would welcome the opportunity to get baptized. I do not know if inmates can get baptized in prison. As far as I know, protestant christian inmates usually get communion once during the week preceding Easter. It'd be good if baptism could happen and regular communion could happen in jail.

Have you ever had a friend that only called you when they were in trouble? Do we act like that to God?