Surprise me God!

30 DAY SURPRISE ME EXPERIMENT

A man name Terry Esau wrote a book called 'Surprise Me'. It was a 30 day experiment where he started each day with three simple words, 'Surprise Me God'. In praying these words daily Terry thought 'what will happen? Will the heavens shake? Will nothing happen?'. Not only did he pray these three words to God daily, but Terry also wrote down his observations during the day, and he paid particular attention to how God surprised him during the day, and opened himself up to having his daily routine interrupted by surprises. In the routine of his everyday activities he wrote a journal, and strangely enough it became clear that surprises were happening all around him everyday.

After some of read Terry's book we have decided to embark on the same 30 day experiment together as a community. Where for 30 days we wake up everyday and pray 3 simple words to God, 'Surprise Me God'. During the day we will be looking for surprises, and then everyday write down what we observe and what runs through our heads. Each Sunday at our bible study we will have the chance to share our surprises with others and just see what happens.

Here is a brief snippet from an entry a wrote this week:

"I woke up not wanting to get up, and prayed to God 'Surprise Me'. As I prayed that words I thought 'what am I even looking for? What is a good surprise? What is a bad surprise? As my mind was asking these questions I noticed the heavy patter of rain outside, and I was surprised. Seriously it has not rained in so long here. Then I went to play golf with a friend, but it was still raining... but as I drove in my car I realised I have a great life. It does not get much better than playing golf and drinking coffee on a Monday morning with a friend. Maybe God is going to surprise me with the little stuff? Maybe the conservation I had with my friend this morning was life giving, maybe it encouraged him? Maybe it refreshed him? My first surprise was how much joy I find in the little things, maybe there are little gifts God has for me waiting to be opened each day?"

By no means is this a formula... but hopefully it gives you the general idea.

So anyone out there who it interested, just say to God, 'Surprise Me', the observe and engage with what happens. Grab a pen, or a keyboard, and start writing!

I look forward to hearing how God Surprises You!

Adam