I got real exposure to spiritual encounters while doing mission work in Reynosa Mexico many years ago. We called it “Jesus Sightings.” We were encouraged by leaders to take time out and do walk abouts in the colonia. If we were really present in the moment, we just might see Jesus at work. And we did. Many times, in fact.
I thought about those “sightings” many times as I read Dirty Glory: Go Where Your Best Prayers Take You. In addition, the Author, Pete Greig challenged me in many ways. He shares many relevant history lessons, spiritual concepts, inspirational quotes and awe inspiring stories as he traverses pretty much every corner of our world. He shares his own Jesus sightings along the way.
Spiritual Encounters in the 24-7 Prayer Movement
Greig champions the 24-7 Prayer movement all around the world. Dirty Glory is a continuation of his earlier book, Red Moon Rising, which continues the sharing of similar adventures and spiritual encounters.
In fact, Greig takes us a worldwide tour of the 24/7 Prayer movement. We get inside insight about the machinations of the Lord at work. Meanwhile, readers also gain an understanding of how a commitment to service can overcome challenging personal struggles.
Spiritual Encounters and Personal Connections
As I was reading through Dirty Glory, I was reliving many of my own moments of spiritual encounters. Midway through, Greig shares a story that took place in Bluffton, Indiana. I live and work just a handful of miles from that community and enjoyed learning about some of the amazing work that took place among a church and nearby college.
Then, even though he covers ground in multiple continents, Greig also covers important happenings at Purdue University – I just so happen to have a PU degree. And finally, late in the book, Greig shares a story about another of God’s chosen doing work in Reynosa.
It’s like Greig took me on the spiritual encounters to a dozen places throughout the world, yet the Jesus sightings were more of a “God thing.”
In Dirty Glory, readers get a worldwide tour of spiritual encounters. Along the way, we see God’s glory shine in historically significant lessons, spiritual edification, inspirational quotes and awe-inspiring stories.
Spiritual Encounters in the Continual Presence of God
The personal connections aside, the book is challenging in many – but good – ways. First of all, it’s not a quick read. And some of the details will have you needing breaks to soak it all in. In other ways, you’ll be provoked to seek more from your spiritual walk. You’ll seek a personal connection with God. You will want to step out of your comfort zone.
You’ll want to be more attuned to our father. And, you will long to be close to him and to do his will.
What I found most inspiring is the fact that, despite a whirlwind of personal challenges and adversity that takes place, Greig is deliberate to find pause. He strives for time to be with God. To reflect, ponder, pray and center his life. I want to cultivate an ability to find a similar pause in my own life.
“Our primary task, therefore, is to identify God’s fingerprints and to trace his footprints in the new environment? (180).
God desires that we live an existence that engages God’s people. Dirty Glory shows not only that it is possible, but models for us how it is possible. That existence of spiritual encounter is more than praying from a distance. In particular, it’s about living genuinely in the midst of the messiness of life.
The Bottom Line
In Dirty Glory, Pete Greig takes us a worldwide tour of spiritual encounters with the 24/7 Prayer Movement. Along the way, we see God’s glory shine through historically significant lessons, spiritual edification, inspirational quotes and awe-inspiring stories. And he proves you can honor a commitment to service even as you are overcoming challenging personal struggles.