“Do you remember me?”

It’s the question I fear more than any other. Four words guaranteed to freeze my brain every time.

I’m not trying to make excuses, but it is actually a genuine problem for me. I’ve got a brain that is obsessed with the future, and I find it hard enough to handle the present. The past stands no chance. I remember almost nobody, and my best attempts to bluff it or fish for clues usually end up just compounding the embarrassment.

Here’s a disturbing thought. When it comes to outreach, you might just be praying all wrong. Your church prayer meetings might be emphasising all the wrong things. Your prayers for your community, your friends, your neighbours and family might be focusing on entirely the wrong target.

Praying for people to become Christians can actually be counter-productive. It can hinder outreach, and hold back church growth. It can end up achieving the exact opposite of what was intended.

I recently took up an exercise class at our local gym and, aside from being glad to escape with my heart still beating, I was struck afresh by some universal principles of motivation.

What I’d signed up for was a “Spinning” class, which is basically exercise bikes with a side order of sadism. Oh sure, it sounds pleasant enough, almost whimsical. But take it from me. It’s hell on wheels.