Earlier this week I read parts of Pete Greig’s book Dirty Glory and I felt my heart, in the words of John Wesley, ​“strangely warmed.”

Maybe ​“defrosted” is a better way to put it. 

Over the years, pain and disappointment can turn down the soul’s thermostat until, before you know it, your heart is cold and hesitant to take the risks required by love. It’s like the frog in a pot of water, except in reverse — before you know it, you’re frozen.

That’s a danger especially for those of us who work in ministry, for whom prayer comprises part of the work for which we receive a paycheck. Speaking of God and to God can become a rote requirement. 

But I’m thankful for those people and books and spaces that God uses to help us come to our senses and remember the beauty and goodness and adventure of following Jesus.

In past years one of those ​“defrosting” spaces for me was an old warehouse in Charlotte, transformed by Lisa Koons into a unique prayer room — think coffeehouse meets confessional. Lisa is now the U.S. Director of 24 – 7 Prayer, the organization founded by Pete Greig. 

Pete and Lisa will be hosted by Carolyn Arends in next week’s free webinar on the intersection of prayer and action. For me it’s especially meaningful because it brings together Renovaré and 24 – 7 Prayer, two ministries that have profoundly shaped my spiritual life. I hope you’ll join us and I pray our hearts will be warmed in the light of Jesus.