12 Creative Ways to Help God Work in our Neighborhoods
Discovering how to help God work in our neighborhoods doesn’t have to be a chore. We must simply take to heart Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s teaching: “love should be our walk and our talk”.
Several years ago, in the midst of a divisive election, came an invitation from an unknown neighbor to meet at the park and pray for our country.
Our family went, unsure of what to expect, and completely unaware of the inspiring events that were about to take place.
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Around the Table
Jay (name has been changed) was right where he said he would be–sitting at the picnic table wearing a bright orange shirt. While my kids played on the playground, I hesitantly approached Jay, wondering how long it would be before someone else arrived.
Mustering up some courage, I sat down at the picnic table and introduced myself. The conversation began slowly, but it intensified quickly as we recognized immediately just how much we have in common.
I’ve long been a believer that sitting around a table brings you down to the same level, allowing you to more easily see things from the other person’s perspective.
Here are some interesting things I learned about Jay last night:
He’s a family man
Happily married with two grown kids–a daughter and a son–and three grandchildren, Jay has lived in our neighborhood for over a decade.
He’s a religious man
As pastor of a local congregation, Jay works tirelessly to reach out to the community.
For instance, recognizing the language barrier of many families in his area, with the older generation speaking only Spanish, and the younger generation speaking only English, Jay determined to do something.
What did he do?
He has his sermons translated into Spanish as he is speaking in English so that families can attend church together, each person hearing the sermon in their preferred language.
As I listen, I am in awe of Jay’s ability to see a need in the community and find a way to meet it, and I made a point to tell him so.
Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered . . . just one kind word to another person.
Fred Rogers
He loves his neighbors
“You can’t claim to love God and not love your neighbors,” Jay said with a smile.
He continued, “I would love to seek opportunities to serve and assist others in our neighborhood, gather together a group of willing neighbors, and get to work. More neighbor involvement would mean less need for more police force.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. And I could not have agreed more.
He has hope for the future
Jay is full of faith, not fear. Rather than being glued to the television watching the election results, he is out in his neighborhood trying to make a difference.
I gather my children around as Jay reads Psalms 145 and prays a beautiful prayer for the welfare of the members of our neighborhood. He also prayed for opportunities to serve.
Psalm 145
1 I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.
5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.
6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.
7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.
8 The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
9 The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
10 All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee.
11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;
12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
14 The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.
16 Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
20 The Lord preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
Future Plans
When Jay finished, I threw out a suggestion,
“The weather is beautiful right now. What are your thoughts on having another meetup in the near future? I know there are others who wanted to attend tonight but were unable to make it.”
“Maybe a potluck next week?” he asked.
“Sounds great!” I replied.
“And weekly meetups after that?” he suggested.
“Absolutely!” I said with a smile.
Follow His Lead
Despite being the only visible persons at the picnic table, Jay and I weren’t the only ones in attendance that night. Someone once said:
“God is at work in our neighborhoods. We just need to follow His lead.”
God is at work in our neighborhoods.
That night, I saw Him at work in mine.
12 Creative Ways To Be At Work In Our Neighborhoods
If you are looking to work side-by-side with God in your neighborhood, check out these creative ideas:
- Remain outside in the front yard longer while watering the yard
- Walk your dog regularly around the same time in your neighborhood
- Sit on the front porch and letting kids play in the front yard
- Have a food or coat drive and invite the neighbors to get involved
- Invite neighbors over for a simple meal
- Art swap night: bring out what you’re tired of and trade with neighbors
- Attend parties hosted by neighbors, even if it’s out of your comfort zone
- Grow a garden and share extra produce with neighbors
- Invite neighbors to serve alongside you on a JustServe project
- Throw a holiday block party
- Prayer walk and stop to visit with people along the way
- Be a regular at your local farmer’s market
More inspiration:
- Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt for Kids
- Deepening Community: Finding Joy Together in Chaotic Times
- Prayer Walking Journal: Ideas for Each Day as You Pray for Your Neighborhood
- The Turquoise Table: Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard
Conclusion
Let us join with others in connecting with others in meaningful ways. When love is our walk and our talk, we can more easily help God work in our neighborhoods.
When the world seems large and complex, we need to remember that great world ideals all begin in some home neighborhood.
Konrad Adenauer
Consider
In what ways have you and God been working in your neighborhood?
