Manifesto Value: Zeal and Contemplation
When the KC Underground launched in 2019, part of our formation was to adopt the Underground Manifesto created by the Tampa Underground. The Manifesto is comprised of eighteen values that reflect our theological convictions. These values bind us together as a diverse and creative network. This prayer guide will cover one of those values.
Read: Spend some time slowly reading and rereading this value:
Zeal and Contemplation
We will value the paradox of exuberance and zeal in worship, community life, and evangelism while at the same time wholeheartedly pursuing the rhythm and profound importance of silence and solitude for personal contemplation and rest. We affirm seasons of zeal and charismatic expression of the greatness and majesty of God, along with seasons of silence and stillness before God. We value each and both together. We hope for a fusion of the two in a life of zeal, lived ablaze and unashamed for God, and contemplation, lived in deep awareness and quiet appreciation for God.
Retell: As a practice to embrace what you are reading, grab a journal and write the value out in your own words.
Read: Choose at least 3 - 5 of the following supporting passages and read through them.
Biblical Foundation
Zeal: Psalms 47:5, Psalms 98:4, Isaiah 42:13, Matthew 11:28-28, Matthew 17:5, Mark 6:31, John 10:27, Romans 12:11, Titus 2:14
Contemplation: Psalms 46:10, Psalms 48:9, Psalms 95:6, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Colossians 3:2, 1 Peter 1:13
Consider: As you read and rewrote this value, what stood out to you the most? What did the Spirit highlight as you read the supporting passages from Scripture? What do you sense the Spirit is saying to you? Take a few minutes to journal your thoughts.
Pray: Now that you have had a few minutes to consider what the Spirit might be saying to you, turn these thoughts into prayers.
Perhaps it is a prayer of repentance: Jesus, I acknowledge the ways I have allowed busyness and activity to crowd out the stillness You call me to. Forgive me for the moments when I have neglected to pursue You with passion and fervor, letting complacency take root in my heart. I repent of any pride or self-reliance that has kept me from fully surrendering to You. I lay down the distractions, the fears, and the excuses that have kept me from embracing the rhythms of zeal and silence You desire for me. Teach me to live ablaze with love for You while also finding peace in quiet communion with You. Restore my focus, deepen my devotion, and help me to walk in the fullness of life You offer.
Perhaps it is a prayer of invitation to zeal: Holy Spirit, I invite you to ignite a passion within me to worship You with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. Fill me with exuberance and boldness to proclaim Your greatness and love to the world. Help me to bring that same zeal into my relationships and community, so that Your light shines through every interaction. May my life reflect the joy and energy of living fully for You.
Perhaps it is a prayer for contemplation: Father, teach me the art of stillness. In the midst of life’s busyness, draw me into Your presence to rest, reflect, and listen. Help me to find moments of solitude to hear Your voice and to simply be with You. Let my heart be quieted by Your peace and my soul refreshed by Your nearness. May I grow in my awareness of who You are and learn to trust in Your sufficiency.
Each of these simple prayers can be a springboard into more. Use the thoughts you journaled above to help guide your prayers. Take some extra time today to pray for the microchurches across our network, that we would be known as a people full of zeal in worship, community life, and evangelism and a people informed by silence and solitude for personal contemplation and rest.
Respond: If Jesus highlighted a particular way for you to respond in obedience to Him today in light of this value from the Manifesto, consider sharing this response with another disciple-maker.
Respond: If Jesus highlighted a particular way for you to respond in obedience to Him today in light of this value from the Manifesto, consider sharing this response with another disciple-maker.