Don't you wish it were that easy.  Just click on a link and suddenly ...there's God!  If you don't like what you find, you can click the back button or just browse on.  Actually, this is partly accurate.  You are in control.  You control the process and the timing.

Finding God does take a greater investment than following a link on a website; it requires us to open our hearts and our minds, not another window.  But you still get to keep the control.  God will only come into your life as far as you allow.  You also get to shut God out whenver you want to.  People do this all the time.  Sometimes they slowly, even unknowingly, close the door of their hearts to God and then wonder where God went.

The task isn't really about finding God, but allowing God into your life.  God is not hanging out in some kind of cosmic lost and found waiting for people to find the secret doorway in.  God is not lost.  God wants to be in relationship with you.  This is what Christmas is about.  Jesus Christ came into this world to be found.

Opening our hearts and minds to God is a big deal.  Some people find it easy to make this decision.  Other people need more information before they feel ready to take this step.  At St. Edward's we recognize that every person's journey is unique. If you are ready right now to open your heart and mind to God, you will find a prayer at the bottom of this page that you can use to invite God into your life.  If you want to learn more about God while you consider this decision we want you to know that you are welcome to come hang out with us and explore the possibility of a life with God.

Remember, you are in control.  We respect the fact that God wants you to have control of the process.  This is why we will not turn up on your doorstep wearing ties on a Saturday morning and try to win your soul.  We don't do that.  We do offer a number of courses and resources that many people have found helpful.   Alpha is a great introduction to basic christian beliefs. Our many small groups are places where you can meet people just like you who have already taken this step and who can tell you about the experience.  We also have lots of books and videos that you can browse and borrow.

After you begin a new relationship with God, we have a great series of classes to help you grow in this relationship.  Here also, you are in control.  Everyone grows at a different pace.  Only you know when you are ready to take the next step towards a mature relationship with God.

If you are ready now to take this step.  Here is a prayer you can use to invite God into your life.  If you pray this prayer we hope that you will email our Pastor to let him know.  Opening our hearts to another person requires us to share control over our lives.  Ironic isn't it.  You control the relationship, but to have a relationship you have to share your life.  This is true for any relationship.  It is especially true with God.  You have to let go to let God in.  So here is the prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son Jesus into the world to show us the way to a life with you.  I want to open my heart to you now and invite you into my life.  I'm sorry for the ways I have kept you out and for all the wrong things I have done.  Please forgive me. You are my God and my Lord, please come into my heart and help live a life worthy of you.  Amen