Later this summer we'll be taking our young people away for their annual weekend away.  This year's theme is "Surprised by the Trinity" (perhaps a surprising and ambitious choice for teens!)

The Trinity isn't just a mathematical problem to solve, or a philosophical conundrum to get your head around - it's the good news that God is the Father who has always loved his Son in the unity of the Holy Spirit.  Theologian Fred Sanders has beautifully written:

"God the Father sent the Son to do something for us and the Spirit to be something in us, to bring us into the family life of God.  God, who is eternally triune in Himself in the happy land of the Trinity, gives Himself to us to be our salvation…. making the Father, Son and Holy Spirit present in our lives" (How The Trinity Changes Everything)

The Christian is invited to experience and enjoy the "Happy Land of the Trinity" - life lived with God in Christ by the Spirit.  A practical way in which we participate in that greater reality is when we pray.  As I prepare to teach, I've been trying to get into the habit of using John Stott's trinitarian prayer, that he often used to start his days off with God.  Why don't you give it a go yourself?

Good morning heavenly Father,
good morning Lord Jesus,
good morning Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father, I worship you as the creator and sustainer of the universe.
Lord Jesus, I worship you, Saviour and Lord of the world.
Holy Spirit, I worship you, sanctifier of the people of God.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father, I pray that I may live this day in your presence
and please you more and more.

Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you.

Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, three persons in one God, have mercy upon me.

Amen.