Preaching Puzzles by Meryl McKean

 

I’d popped over to see my mum the other day when, as I was leaving, she happened to mention that she had reached a frustrating point in her jigsaw puzzle and felt stuck. My ears pricked up, I do love a puzzle, and I couldn’t resist casting my eyes over it to see if I could help. I soon found the cause, not a mistake, but a case of missing pieces from the edge. A swift check under the sofa revealed the hiding place of one, the other would need to wait.

As I thought about puzzles, I realised that doing a jigsaw had some similarities to my main activity of yesterday – preparing to preach. I thought I’d share with you, in a nutshell, some of my preparation steps.

My preference is to have around a month to prepare – I know this will sound like a luxury to some of you. I like to look at the whole picture, sort out the pieces and find a framework. I’ll take time to read the scripture passage, maybe in a few versions, then have plenty of thinking and praying time letting the text marinate in my mind. During this time, I’ll discover context, read commentaries and ask myself questions. As the preach approaches, I ask the Lord what my main focus should be. There is often a number of possible emphasis and I have to resist the temptation to try and pack too much in. It is usually during this time that I have one of those moments where it all seems to be swirling round my head like feathers blowing in the wind, my thoughts can’t be pinned down. That’s the time to take a short break and a deep breath to let things settle!

As I return, I’ll check there is a good introduction, clear explanation, story, humour and relevant application, making sure points are in the right order. Although I try not to read it on the day, I always read aloud before to check that I’ve written how I would speak. I pray through the challenge and response. Often, I find God drops a missing piece into my mind at the last minute, at times a piece I hadn’t realised was missing. And talking of missing pieces, mum called me that evening having found the puzzle piece down the side of the sofa! She is puzzling again with renewed enthusiasm.
It is a privilege to have the opportunity to preach from God’s word and I’m always excited to see the way he helps me sort the pieces until the final picture is revealed.

‘Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,

    that I may follow it to the end.

Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law

    and obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands,

    for there I find delight.’

Psalm 119 v 33 - 35

Bio

Meryl McKean loves writing devotionals and poems and has had a few articles published over the years as well as using her writing in her work. She wants her writing to be a tool which helps others draw closer to God. She is married to Andy and lives in Bedford. Her day job as a member of her church staff leadership team is full of challenges and opportunities.